Blandford Street fire: Business bosses react to huge blaze at Sunderland's 'well-loved' Peacocks store as investigation continues

Fire crews battled through the night to tackle a huge blaze at the clothing store in Blandford Street.

An investigation is now underway as to what caused the fire, and a cordon remains in place around the area as firefighters continue to deal with the aftermath of the blaze.

Nobody was hurt in the blaze.

RELATED CONTENT: See shocking pictures of damage caused by fire at Peacocks in Blandford Street.

This morning, Sharon Appleby, Head of Business Operations at Sunderland BID, said: "It's a terrible shame for such a well-loved store at the heart of the one of Sunderland's oldest shopping streets to have been so severely damaged.

"However thank goodness nobody was hurt. We will offer whatever support we can to that business and other retailers in Blandford Street in the coming weeks."

A spokesman for Northumbria Police said: "At about 7.20pm yesterday (Wednesday), police received a report of a fire at a business premises on Blandford Street, Sunderland.

"Emergency services attended and the road was closed whilst the fire was extinguished.

SEE video of fire breaking out at Peacocks in Blandford Street.

"Luckily nobody was injured and the area has been cordoned off for public safety.

"An investigation has been launched to determine the circumstances surrounding the fire.

"Anyone with information is asked to contact 101 quoting reference 927 23/01/19 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111."