University lab hit by fire

A Newcastle University laboratory was badly damaged following an electrical fire in the early hours of the morning.

Firefighters were called to the blaze at the university’s Agriculture Building on Kings Road just before 5am on Thursday. Crews from Newcastle Central, Byker and Gosforth used thermal scanners and jets to quickly bring the fire under control.

Those in the building at the time were not injured but were checked over by paramedics at the scene. Crews left the incident at 5.38am.

Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service confirmed the fire was accidental and caused by a piece of electrical equipment that had overheated.

A fire service spokeswoman said: “We can confirm that we received a call at 4.59am on Thursday morning about a fire at the Agriculture Building of Newcastle University on Kings Road.

“Those that were in the building at the time were thankfully not injured but were checked over by paramedics at the scene. We want to thank our crews and fire control for getting appliances to the scene so quickly and thank the university for their continued support.

“We are confident they have stringent fire safety measures in place but accidents do happen and we hope our quick response reassures students, and the wider community, we will be there when you need us.”