A man has been taken to hospital with serious injuries after a fire broke out at a factory in Gateshead.
The 49-year-old was seriously injured in the blaze at the AkzoNobel site off Stoneygate Lane in Felling, which happened at just before 8am on Tuesday.
Emergency services were called to the area and fire crews worked to extinguish the blaze as paramedics treated the man who was then taken to the Royal Victoria Infirmary, where he is being treated for burns.
A spokesperson for AkzoNobel said: “There was a fire at our Felling site at around 8am.
"The site was evacuated and the incident was attended by the on-site emergency team and the emergency services and brought under control.
"Unfortunately, one of our colleagues has suffered serious burn injuries and after receiving first aid on site has been taken to hospital for treatment.
"There is no further risk on site and a full investigation into the incident has started.
"The site will be closed for the remainder of the day for investigations. Ongoing support will be provided to our colleague and his family.”
Northumbria Police confirmed that they were aware of the incident and are now making enquiries to find out what happened.
A police spokesperson said: “At 8.25am today (Tuesday) police were made aware of a suspected industrial accident at International Paint Ltd, on Stoneygate Lane, Gateshead.
“A 49-year-old male employee has been taken to hospital with serious injuries and his next of kin have been informed.
“Enquiries into the circumstances of the incident are ongoing with police working in conjunction with the health and safety executive.”
Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service confirmed that crews from Gateshead were sent to the scene and a spokesperson from North East Ambulance Service said paramedics took a man to the RVI with "injuries consistent with burns".
