Sunderland factory blaze 'not suspicious' as police and fire service carry out investigation

A blaze which tore through a Sunderland factory is not believed to be suspicious, Northumbria Police has confirmed.
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A fire broke out at a a fibreglass manufacturing facility in Hendon Street, off the A1018 Hendon Road, shortly before 1pm on Friday, July 10.

Five fire engines and an aerial ladder platform were sent to fight the fire, which around three hours to extinguish fully.

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Cause of blaze which tore through Sunderland factory under investigation
Fire crews at the scene of the Hendon Street factory unit fire.Fire crews at the scene of the Hendon Street factory unit fire.
Fire crews at the scene of the Hendon Street factory unit fire.
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During the incident, Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service urged people living and working near to the fire to close their windows and doors to prevent smoke getting inside their homes and businesses as its crews battled the blaze.

The North East Ambulance Service also attended the incident, sending three Hazardous Area Response Teams to the scene.

Thankfully no one was injured, but significant damage was caused to the factory.

A joint investigation by the police and fire service was launched into the cause of the fire, with Northumbria Police confirming on Monday, July 13, that it was not believed to be suspicious.

Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue used an aerial ladder platform to tackle the fire on Hendon Street.Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue used an aerial ladder platform to tackle the fire on Hendon Street.
Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue used an aerial ladder platform to tackle the fire on Hendon Street.
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A force spokesman said: “Shortly after 1pm on Friday, July 10, we were alerted by the fire service to a blaze at a premises on Hendon Street, Sunderland.

“Thankfully, nobody was injured. An investigation has been carried out by police and the fire service, with the cause of the fire is not believed to be suspicious.”

A Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue spokeswoman added: "Due to the unsafe nature of the structure a full fire investigation was not able to be conducted.

"The fire has formally been recorded as an accidental cause.”

Firefighters at the scene of the Hendon Street factory fire.Firefighters at the scene of the Hendon Street factory fire.
Firefighters at the scene of the Hendon Street factory fire.

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