Residents evacuated as large fire engulfs homes
Residents have been evacuated from their homes as emergency services deal with a large fire.
Cleveland Fire Brigade sent five fire engines from Thornaby, Stockton and Middlesbrough to the scene at Langley Avenue in Thornaby at 04:15 BST.
Police said they did not believe anyone was injured or trapped.
A cordon is in place and Langley Avenue and Mansfield Avenue are closed at both ends.
The fire service said the blaze started in one home, which is described as having 100% fire damage to the first floor and roof, and spread to three more houses.
Other adjoining properties were described as having 80 to 100% fire damage to the roof, with water and smoke damage to the rest of the buildings.
A Cleveland Police spokesman said: "Members of the public are urged to avoid the area and nearby residents are asked to keep their windows closed to avoid smoke entering their homes."
The fire service said an investigation will take place to determine the cause of the blaze.
Follow BBC North East on X (formerly Twitter), Facebook and Instagram. Send your story ideas to northeastandcumbria@bbc.co.uk.
