Huge fire engulfs seaside amusement park as firefighters work through the night to tackle blaze

Multiple fire engines are in attendance, with the inferno still ongoing more than five hours after it began.

Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service described the fire are "large" as it urged those living nearby to stay indoors.

"We are asking people to avoid the area and for local residents to close doors and windows," the fire service said on social media.

Local MP Emma Lewell described the situation as "really worrying".

Ocean Beach Pleasure Park only recently underwent a significant upgrade, with £1.2million spent in 2023 on renovations.

Changes included three new permanent rides and several new features available for in the summer months.

The popular theme park is free for anyone to visit and has more than 40 rides and attractions on offer.

The fire comes just weeks after a blaze on the same site destroyed a local chippy.

The Blue Marlin in Ocean Beach Amusement Park was destroyed in November after a suspected arson attack.

Firefighters were called to the scene in the early hours of Wednesday, November 26 after being informed of the blaze around the outdoor seating area of the restaurant.

The Blue Marlin's owners said they had been "deeply saddened" by the fire, adding "early indications suggest the fire may have been caused by mindless individuals trespassing and acting recklessly".

More to follow...