Investigation launched after fire burned for near 24 hours

THE Health and Safety Executive has taken over an investigation into a fire in South Shields that burned for almost 24 hours.

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A number of people had to be evacuated from their homes on Beach Road after a blaze took hold on Friday afternoon.

Five fire crews from across Tyne and Wear attended the scene shortly after 12.40pm and battled the fire for almost 24 hours.

Due to the severity of the damage, residents evacuated from their homes after the fire were unable to return to collect their belongings days later.

Fortunately, no one was reported to have been injured in the fire, which affected a gas main and caused significant damage.

The investigation into the cause of the fire is now being handled by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE).

A HSE spokesperson said: “We are carrying out an investigation to establish the cause of the incident.”