Teenage boy in hospital following dramatic rescue after becoming trapped between two buildings

A teenage boy who became trapped between two buildings was saved in a complex rescue operation.

Specialist crews from County Durham and Darlington Fire and Rescue Service , were called after the boy become stuck between two buildings at the Thames shopping centre in Newton Aycliffe.

Crews from Darlington, Spennymoor, Durham and Bishop Auckland all attended the scene after being called at 5pm on Monday, alongside specialist 'working at height' crews from Newton Aycliffe and Seaham and the Special Rescue Unit from Bishop Auckland.

Firefighters cut through an external wall to reach a boy trapped in Newton Aycliffe (County Durham Fire and Rescue Service)

An advisor from Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service ’s Urban Search and Rescue Team also attended to offer expert advice alongside a Hazardous Area Response Team from the North East Ambulance Service , Durham County Council Building Control and Durham Constabulary officers.

Part of an external wall was demolished in order to reach the boy, who was taken to hospital.

Incident Commander Rob Cherrie said: “Firefighters used a range of equipment to cut through an external wall to free the boy, while reassuring him and trying to keep him calm during this distressing incident.

“The teenager has now been transported to hospital by the ambulance service.

“This was an extremely difficult rescue and I would like to commend the emergency services at the scene who worked very quickly and tirelessly to rescue the teenager from the cavity.”