Young's Recycling, on the Graythorp Industrial Estate, in Hartlepool, went up in 40ft-high flames on Tuesday night.

>> Firefighters tackle huge blaze

The blaze was so large that 70 firefighters were called to the incident as thick smoke billowed towards nearby homes.

Today the emergency services hope part of the building will be torn down so firefighters can get closer to the flames.

Inspector Dave Galloway, of Hartlepool Police, said: "We are hoping part of the building will be demolished today.

"It is structurally unsafe, so with that in mind the fire service can't get too close to it.

"An assessor from Hartlepool Borough Council advised that part of the structure should come down to make the area safer."
The fire is still expected to take a few days to be completely extinguished.

Police are investigating the fire and are not ruling out arson.
Anyone with information is asked to contact Hartlepool Police on (01642) 302126.