A FIRE is currently affecting a paper mill in the district.

Seven fire engines have been dispatched to tackle the blaze and police have closed a road.

Images, taken by Facebook follower Mike Lazzari opposite the paper mill in Fourstones on the south bank of the South Tyne around Baddox farm, show a large amount of black smoke appearing from the location.

A Northumberland fire and rescue spokesperson said: “The call came in at 1:49pm about a fire at Fourstones Paper Mill.

“Currently there are seven appliances there and police have closed the nearby C234 road”.

A Northumbria Police spokeswoman added: "Shortly after 2pm today, we received a request for assistance from the fire brigade to provide traffic management near Fourstones Paper Mill following a report of a fire."

A spokesman for Northern confirmed there was currently no impact on rail services in the area as a result of the incident.

We will update this story when we have more information available…