Firefighters tackle large fire at derelict college in Sunderland as plumes of smoke rise above the city

Crews are beginning to scale back but remain at the scene of a fire at the old Hylton Campus building, of Sunderland College, off North Hylton Road.

Pictures show plumes of smoke rising above the city as crews battle to get the blaze under control.

Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service are urging residents nearby to ensure all windows and doors are closed.

Police have also closed a section of North Hylton Road to traffic.

A spokesman for the fire brigade said: “The wind is blowing smoke, therefore please close all doors and windows in the area - especially Beechwood, Marley Crescent and Elmwood.

“Now seven crews from Marley Park, Sunderland (2) Gosforth, Washington, Farringdon (2) South Shields, with the ALP from Gateshead & our Command Unit are at the scene.

“We've had 38 firefighters and 3 officers at the incident at the disused college building.”

Residents are being told to avoid the area.

A Northumbria Police spokesperson said: “At 1.28pm today (Friday) we were alerted by the fire service to a blaze at the old campus building off North Hylton Road, Sunderland

“Emergency services are at the scene and fire crews are currently working to extinguish the blaze. A number of roads surrounding the premises have been temporarily closed to the public.

“Residents living in the Marley Pots area of the city are asked to ensure their doors and windows remain closed due to the resulting smoke.”

The roads which have been closed include North Hylton Road and Redcar Road.