Pictures show firefighters tackling a deliberate rubbish fire in Sunderland city centre

Pictures posted online by Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service (TWFRS) show firefighters from Sunderland Central tackling a deliberate fire.

White watch crews were called to a grassed area off Silksworth Row in Sunderland city centre after receiving a report of rubbish on fire.

Fire crews had to use a jet at a distance to extinguish the fire in order to avoid the toxic smoke that it was producing.

TWFRS have appealed on social media for anyone with information to report the fire anonymously.

A fire service spokesperson said: “Sunderland Central white watch crews tackled this deliberate rubbish fire in a grassed area off Silksworth Row.

"Crews used jet at a distance to extinguish the fire, avoiding the toxic smoke produced.

“Please help us to stop this from happening, report information 100% anonymously at http://firestoppersreport.co.uk or 0800 169 5558.”

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