Fire tackled at fly-tipped waste site

Fire crews have tackled a blaze at a former factory site where about 400 tonnes of rubbish was previously dumped.

County Durham and Darlington Fire and Rescue (CDDFRS) was called to the old Dewhirst site in Peterlee at about 07:15 BST, where according to crews, a large quantity of fly-tipped rubbish was "well alight".

The Environment Agency (EA) had previously launched an investigation after industrial waste was dumped there in July.

One fire engine from Peterlee Fire Station attended, with crews extinguishing the flames and leaving the scene just before 08:00.

Prior to the fire, an EA spokesperson said it was "working with the landowner, who has secured the site".

"We are carrying out regular inspections to ensure no further waste is deposited," they said.

"A thorough investigation is under way, and we will not hesitate to take enforcement action where appropriate."

Follow BBC North East on X, Facebook, Nextdoor and Instagram and listen on BBC Sounds.