This was the scene of devastation after a social club was severely damaged in a suspected gas explosion.
Crews from the Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service rushed to the Haughton Snooker Club in Newbottle Street , Houghton-le-Spring, after reports of the suspected explosion in the early hours of Monday.
Pictures taken by firefighters show the extent of the damage caused.
Part of the wall and roof of the building collapsed and debris was scattered everywhere.
There have been no injuries reported.
A spokesperson for the Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service said: "We were called to the incident at about 12.05am on Monday. It was a suspected gas explosion and it is currently under investigation.
"It was left in the hands of a gas and structural engineer. Nobody was injured as a result of the incident."
Firefighters from Rainton Bridge and Farringdon dealt with the incident and were on scene for more than an hour.
The spokesperson said that inspectors would be on the scene during the day to determine the exact cause.
