A fire has broken out at an industrial estate, with neighbours saying they can hear explosions.
Billowing flames and smoke can be seen at Crowther industrial estate in Washington, near Sunderland.
The site is home to a campervan garage and a business which sells graduation gowns. The cause of the fire and extent of the damage is currently unknown.
Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service has five engines at the estate, while the ambulance service sent a Hazardous Area Response Team and clinical team leader “as a precaution”.
Northumbria Police said officers had put up a cordon there.
One local resident reported hearing explosions from the fire, with another being able to see the smoke from more than six miles (10km) away.