Watch as firefighters tackle blaze at popular pub

Thick black smoke could be seen rising from The Mill House, in Springwell, near Washington, as 26 firefighters tackled the fire earlier today.

Parts of the roof have been completely destroyed at the popular eatery, in Springwell Road, but the full extent of the damage is not yet known.

Nearby roads are currently closed including the B1288 at the roundabout on the A1231 near the bar and restaurant in Springwell.

A spokesman for Northumbria Police said: "Road closures in place due to a fire at the Mill House. Closure in place B1288 between A1231 and Springwell Road, Rockliffe Way closed southbound. Local diversions are in place, but please try and avoid the area."

Buses are also unable to operate in the area due to the road closure.

A spokesman for Go North East said: "Due to a building fire, service X25 is unable to operate between Wrekenton & Mount Pleasant in both directions.

"We're diverting X25 via Long Bank, Birtley & Northside Estate both ways; omitting Eighton Banks, Mill House & Mount Pleasant (Arnold Clark)."

There were 26 firefighters and three officers from Washington, Birtley, Byker, Farringdon and Gosforth fire stations at the incident.

Five pumping appliances remain at the scene and the aerial ladder platform has recently left.

Fire crews were called at 1.18pm today and the first firefighters were at the pub by 1.21pm.

The cause of the fire is not yet known.