The Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service posted the following on social media: “We have five appliances and an aerial ladder platform in attendance at a factory fire in Crowther Industrial Estate, Washington, Tyne and Wear.
“We are receiving a high volume of calls due to smoke being visible from the A1, A194 and the Sunderland Highway.
“We would like to advise members of the public to avoid the area if possible, and anyone in the vicinity to keep their windows and doors closed.”