Workers evacuated as fire breaks out at one of Hartlepool's largest employers

It happened at TMD Friction on the town’s Oakesway Industrial Estate just after 3pm on Thursday, July 28.

An extractor unit suffered 100% fire damage but nobody was hurt.

Three fire engines from Cleveland Fire Brigade responded.

A spokeswoman for TMD Friction said: "Earlier today a small fire broke out on one of our machines which resulted in three fire crews being called to site.

"Thankfully, no one was injured and the area where the fire broke out is being made safe for production to restart."

A photo posted on social media showed smoke coming from the building.

The fire brigade advised people in the area to keep their doors and windows closed due to the smoke.

Two fire engines from Hartlepool’s Stranton station and one from Billingham attended.

TMD Friction makes brake pads for the automotive industry and is part of the Nisshinbo Group.