An investigation is under way to establish the cause of a 'significant' blaze at a Sunderland pub.

Firefighters were called to The Cavalier on Silksworth Lane at around 12.42am on Wednesday following reports of smoke billowing from the building. A total of 34 firefighters worked through the night to tackle the blaze, with six appliances, a command unit, and aerial ladder platform in attendance at the scene during the height of the incident.

Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service and Northumbria Police are now carrying out a joint investigation to establish the cause of the fire.

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Deputy Chief Fire Officer Stewart Nicholson has praised the firefighters, fire control team and support staff involved.

He said: "This was a substantial fire that spread quickly throughout the building so it was important that we acted quickly.

“As always our outstanding Fire Control team and firefighters worked tirelessly through the night together to extinguish the blaze. Our priority was to ensure the fire didn't spread to the nearby woodlands.

“Enquiries to determine the circumstances surrounding the fire are ongoing and a joint investigation with Northumbria Police is already under way.

“I want to say a huge well done to everyone involved in last night’s response; it was a long night with the darkness and freezing temperatures meaning tackling the fire was even more difficult.”

Coun Phil Tye, Chairperson of the Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Authority, said: “This was a fantastic response from the fire and rescue service who were on scene in just four minutes of the call.

“Fires like this do have a devastating impact on communities but this response is another demonstration of how the Service continues to respond quickly and effectively to emergencies across the region.

“We hope that the response offers reassurances to residents across Silksworth and I will continue to work closely with the Executive Leadership Team to ensure they continue to deliver an outstanding service to communities across Tyne and Wear.”

Emergency services have since left the scene and a cordon is currently in place but, despite early enquiries, the cause of the fire remains unknown.