Fire crews tackle blaze at block of flats in Sunderland

Firefighters from Sunderland Central, Farringdon and West Rainton fire stations attended the 17-floor property, in the Silksworth area, shortly after midnight.

The fire was confined to the basement.

A Tyne and Wear Rescue Service spokesman said: "At 12.16am, crews from Sunderland Central, Farringdon and West Rainton fire stations attended a high rise block of flats comprising of 17 floors, including a basement, within the Silksworth area of Sunderland.

"The fire was confined to refuse within the bin chute located in the basement, which was 100% damaged by fire.

"The fire was extinguished using one hose reel jet, two crews wearing breathing apparatus and three positive pressure ventilation fans were used to ventilate the property."