Overview

• County Durham and Darlington Fire and Rescue Service said it was called at 10.20pm on Sunday and deployed five engines plus an aerial ladder platform.
• Two fire engines and the ALP remained on site this morning damping down, with small smoke plumes still visible.
• Durham Police closed the A694 between Shotley Bridge front street and East Law in both directions, prompting Go North East to divert X45 and X47 via Benfieldside Road.
• Photos show shattered glass and charred brick, and residents described the stately home as “practically demolished.”
• The cause of the fire is currently unknown and a full assessment of the damage has not yet been released.