The PM Racing Team motorbike shop on Church Street in Shildon is a shell of what it once was after a devastating fire broke out just after 10am yesterday (January 13).
A total of five fire engines rushed to the scene to tackle the flames that stretched high above the roof – smoke billowing into the sky.
(Image: Joanna Guy-Fisher) The area was swiftly cordoned off by the fire service and police – who were pictured going in and out of the building for several hours.
The cause of the blaze has not been revealed – but the fire service has today (January 14) confirmed that it was accidental.
A County Durham and Darlington Fire and Rescue Service (CDDFRS) spokesperson said: “We were called to a fire at a shop on Church Street in Shildon at 10.12am yesterday (Monday, January 13).
“We immediately deployed firefighters to the area with a total of five fire engines from Bishop Auckland, Newton Aycliffe, Darlington and Spennymoor in attendance, along with one aerial ladder platform (ALP) from Durham.
The back of the shop, charred from the flames. (Image: NORTHERN ECHO) “Firefighters used the ALP to extinguish the fire, with the last engine leaving the scene at 4.02pm.
“The cause of the fire was accidental and there is no requirement for an investigation.
“No one was injured in the incident.
“We would like to thank the public for their cooperation and support during this incident.”
In the wake of the blaze, the community has rallied around the owner of the shop, Patrick, described as a “lovely man” who is well-known in the community.
(Image: The Northern Echo) More than £1,000 has already been raised to support him as the creator of the fundraiser, Lillie Young, says the community is “gutted” to have seen the shop destroyed.
This was echoed by eyewitnesses who spoke of the devastation and upset immediately after the blaze broke out.
Kelly Nelson, 45, who works at nearby sunbed shop Tanned Up, saw everything.
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She said: “I was just working and I saw the fire engines come past – then I saw people coming out to watch what was happening. The smoke was just bellowing out.
“The poor owner was standing there outside the shop and I told him I was so sorry for what had happened. It’s heartbreaking.
“He told me, ‘I’ve been here 22 years and it’s just gone like that’.”