Emergency services are currently on the scene of a huge blaze at a hotel in Marton, Middlesbrough.
The devastating blaze has destroyed the derelict hotel. The fire broke out at 6pm and at the time of publishing still burning strong.
Cleveland Police have evacuated a number of houses nearby as a precautionary measure.
Police remain on scene in #Marton, working with @ClevelandFB @MbroCouncil @NGNgas to keep people safe. Around half a dozen properties in Marton have been evacuated as a precautionary measure and road closures in and around the A172 and A174 remain in place.
— Cleveland Police UK (@ClevelandPolice) June 13, 2019
Those living nearby are urged to stay indoors and keep windows and doors shut.
Pedestrian cordons have been put in place after a large crowd of people gathered to watch the huge flames and plumes of smoke billow from the former hotel.
The fire is likely to leave the building completely destroyed.
Police remain on scene in #Marton, working with @ClevelandFB @MbroCouncil @NGNgas to keep people safe. Around half a dozen properties in Marton have been evacuated as a precautionary measure and road closures in and around the A172 and A174 remain in place.
— Cleveland Police UK (@ClevelandPolice) June 13, 2019
Cleveland Fire Brigade said in a statement: “We are currently dealing with a large scale incident at Marton Country Club, Middlesbrough – road closures in place, we recommend avoiding the area.”
Police have blocked local roads to enable emergency services to deal with the fire.
#fire at old Marton Hotel and CC – roads closures in place: The Grove from junction with Stokesley Road, A174 Parkway West from Greystones r/about to A172, Stokesley Road south from Ladgate Lane to A174. The A174 Eastbound is open but sliproad (east) to Stokesley is closed.
— Cleveland Police UK (@ClevelandPolice) June 13, 2019
The local pub the Rudds Arms has been closed at the request of the police, and when it is safe to do those people will be evacuated but currently, it is not safe anyone to leave the area.
Police have urged members of the public not to come and watch the fire for their own safety.
Please do not come to watch the #fire at Marton Hotel and CC – cordons for traffic and pedestrians are in place to keep you safe. A few residents have been evacuated and emergency services constantly reviewing situation. Please stay inside your home unless asked to leave!
— Cleveland Police UK (@ClevelandPolice) June 13, 2019