More than five fire engines sent to tackle blaze in derelict school

Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service has confirmed that five fire engines and one aerial ladder platform are at the scene of a blaze at the building in the Deptford Area of Sunderland.

At the scene at around 8pm, Lynsey Mcvay, Area Manager for Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue said: "The fire is ongoing and it's well alight and as you can see the incident is evolving as we go along. We're doing as much as we can at the moment. The building is a derelict school."

Witnesses at the scene have reported that the fire was located in Simpson Street School and that eight fire engines were in attendance.

Wind in the area is blowing smoke towards the local retail park and making the fire more difficult to put out.

A cordon was put in place around the building, and no cars or pedestrians are allowed near to the building.

Police have confirmed that they have vehicles and officers at the scene but have minor involvement.

A spokesperson for Northumbria Police said: “We received a call from the fire service at 6.30pm about a large fire in Sunderland.”

The blaze is currently ongoing and members of the public are advised to stay clear of the area while crews work to extinguish the fire.