A child is among four people being treated in hospital after a huge fire on a residential street in Newcastle.
Footage shared on social media suggests two properties were almost completely levelled in the fire in Violet Close in the Elswick area of the city.
There have also been unconfirmed reports the blaze was caused by an explosion.
Specialist gas engineers have been at the scene and a fire service van marked "search dogs" was parked nearby.
Northumbria Police said it was called to the scene by the fire service at around 12.45am today.
Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service said around hour later that it had several fire engines at the scene. It urged people to avoid the area and keep their windows and doors closed.
Firefighters have been using a jet to damp down the scene of the fire which was still smouldering this morning.
Meanwhile, vehicle recovery workers were taking away several damaged cars on low-loaders.
The North East Ambulance Service (NEAS) said in a statement: "We dispatched four paramedic crews, four crews from our hazardous area response team (HART), a doctor, a specialist paramedic, a clinical team leader, a duty officer and a tactical advisor to the scene.
"We treated and conveyed four patients - three adults and one child - to hospital for further treatment."
Read more UK news:
What is the XEC COVID variant?
Sexual misconduct a 'problem right across NHS'
Former head of British Army dies
Northumbria Police said in a statement: "Shortly before 12.45am today, police were contacted by Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service, who are dealing with a fire at an address in the Violet Close area of Newcastle.
"Emergency services remain in attendance at the scene.
"Road closures are in place on Buddle Road and the surrounding area, and motorists and residents are advised to avoid the area and to keep doors and windows closed if they see and smell smoke."
(c) Sky News 2024: Child among four people treated in hospital after 'explosion' in Newcastle
Two children among five dead in M6 crash
End-of-life care must be fixed before any assisted dying legislation, charities say
London Underground workers to strike for much of November after unions reject pay offer
Scottish government pays to repatriate Alex Salmond's body after request to use RAF rejected
UK says India needs to co-operate with Canada investigation into murder of top Sikh activist
Is the XEC COVID variant different to the rest?
Sexual misconduct is problem right across health service, says NHS chief
General Sir Mike Jackson , former head of the British Army, dies
