Pavement in Hartlepool street set to be dug up after flames are seen under drain

A crew from the town's Stranton station was called to Raby Road, close to the junction with Powlett Road, earlier today.

A member of the public had reported seeing flames coming from underneath the grate of a drain.

Crew manager Barry Edwards said: "We understand the grate over the drain started to smoke off and there were flames seen coming from underneath the pavement.

"Northern Powergrid were already on the scene and they were looking to isolate the cable.

"They were waiting for mini diggers to arrive to dig the pavement up."

A stretch of the road is cordoned off to the public while work continues.