A stack of old tyres was set alight in a building in Victory Street, Pallion. Fire crews were called at 5.40pm yesterday after a 999 call.

When crews arrived, they were made aware that the building could have contained asbestos and so called for more help to bring the blaze under control.

At one point firefighters from Hylton Road, North Moor, Fulwell, Washington and South Shields stations were involved.

A spokesman for Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service said: "We called an aerial platform to douse the blaze from the top and committed firefighters inside the building as well as using ventilation to try and keep the smoke to a minimum.

"The building was full of old tyres and looks to have been set alight earlier in the day. It has been destroyed.

"The building had been secure but an entrance door had been opened. Police are investigating.

"It has not been confirmed if the building contained asbestos, but when we had those reports it escalated the incident and we called for more help."