Investigations continue into Dean Road fire which destroyed shop

At 10am on Saturday, December 28 a fire broke out in a shop on Dean Road in South Shields.

At one point there were 30 firefighters and six fire engines at the scene tackling the huge blaze, Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Services have confirmed.

Fire chiefs said the fire broke out at a shop called Techniserve, which sells computer equipment, CCTV systems and security cameras.

Flats above the property were evacuated after the fire broke out, and while the fire services tackled the blaze, and nobody was hurt in the blaze.

A 300ft cordon was put in place on Dean Road was closed, between John Clay Street and Milton Street, while emergency services dealt with the fire.

The road was closed for several hours as fire crews were at the scene from 10.03am to 6.05pm.

The shop has been totally destroyed by the fire, Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service has said and the upstairs flats have also been severely damaged.

People at the scene said there was a plume of smoke 60ft to 80ft high which looming over the the area, while other witnesses reported being able to see it from the sea front.

Some of the adjoining properties were also damaged and the cause of the fire is under investigation.