A huge fire has broken out at a derelict pub on Mill Lane in Marsden, with smoke seen billowing into the sky as flames engulfed the building.
Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service were called to the scene of the former Whitburn Lodge pub at 4.36pm on Sunday afternoon and were still in attendance as of 7.30pm as crews worked to get the inferno under control. Five vehicles were deployed to the pub, as well as an aerial ladder platform to tackle the blaze from above.
The fire appears to have caused extensive damage to the former pub, with its roof destroyed by the flames. The road towards South Shields is currently closed from the junction with the Shearwater Estate due to the ongoing incident, causing traffic congestion in the surrounding area.
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It is not yet known how the fire started, or whether anyone has been injured in the inferno. Several locals have shared the information and pictures of the blaze on social media as they expressed their concern, while the owners of horses located in stables near the pub confirmed in a Facebook post that the animals are unharmed and have been taken away from the scene safely.
The Labour for Whitburn & Marsden Facebook page said: "We have been made aware of a severe fire at the Whitburn Lodge and the coast road around this location is currently closed. Tracey has been and viewed from the top road and has called the Council to arrange for someone to visit the location to assess the situation. If anyone needs any help please don’t hesitate to give one of you ward councillors a call."
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