Huge fire sends smoke billowing over town centre as 'stay away' warning issued

Residents and shoppers close to a town centre have been told to "avoid the area" as emergency services tackle a large fire. A large plume of smoke can be seen in Middlesbrough,

with Cleveland Fire and Rescue saying they are dealing with a van fire. They say the incident is ongoing. _YOU CAN FOLLOW OUR LIVEBLOG BELOW..._ 10:44KEY EVENT FIRE BRIGADE ISSUE MAJOR

UPDATE A Fire Brigade spokeswoman said: "Cleveland Fire Brigade were called on [today] at 9.45am to an incident on Whin Street in Middlesbrough. "One fire engine was in attendance

from Grangetown. One van well alight. Breathing apparatus and hose reel in use. We got the stop at 10.22.” Firefighters remain at the scene. 10:42Kelly-Ann Kiernan CLEVELAND POLICE STATEMENT

"Police were made aware of this vehicle fire via CCTV operators but officers were not required to attend. "This was left for Fire Brigade to deal with." 10:40KEY EVENT

'AVOID THE AREA' WARNING Cleveland Fire Brigade has warned people to "avoid the area" as they deal with the ongoing incident. 10:37Kelly-Ann Kiernan VIDEO FROM THE SCENE

> Flames and smoke can be seen coming from a van on Whin Street, > Middlesbrough, this morning pic.twitter.com/yddh6elDxv > — The Northern Echo (@TheNorthernEcho) June 2, 2025

10:30Kelly-Ann Kiernan STATEMENT FROM CLEVELAND FIRE BRIGADE “Cleveland Fire Brigade were called at 09:45 to an incident on Whin Street. "A van was found on fire. Incident ongoing"

10:30KEY EVENT FIRE IN MIDDLESBROUGH TOWN CENTRE Smoke can be seen billowing over Middlesbrough town centre following reports of a van fire.