Pictures: Aftermath of the house fires in Bouch Street, Shildon

Firefighters battled the blaze on Bouch Street, Shildon, which spanned two properties, with three fire engines for almost two hours at 7pm on Monday.

Both terraced houses affected by the fire sustained significant damage to the roof and surrounding areas as the fire department concluded that both houses were dilapidated and no one was injured.

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Bouch Street, Shildon. (Image: SARAH CALDECOTT)

The latest images from the scene now show that a police cordon remains at the property while investigations into the cause of the fire are carried out.

Yesterday (September 18), Michael Pearson, group manager for County Durham and Darlington Fire and Rescue Service, said: “We were called at 7.15am to an abandoned burning house in Bouch Street, Shildon.

Read more: Firefighters tackle blaze at two terraced houses in County Durham village

“The fire broke out in a number of terraced houses and two properties were affected via their roof areas.

“The fire started in an abandoned and boarded-up property so there were no concerns about people being present.

Bouch Street, Shildon. (Image: SARAH CALDECOTT)

“We had three pieces of equipment on site and a turntable ladder that made it easier for us to access the roof.

“The fire spread through the roof space to an adjacent vacant property. There was damage to the roof space of both properties.

“People came out of their homes to watch, but there was no need to evacuate anyone.”

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Police have now confirmed that investigations into the cause of the fire are underway.

A spokesman for Durham Constabulary said: “Police were called at 7.30pm last night (September 18) to reports of a fire at an address on Bouch Street, Shildon.

“Officers assisted the fire department in evacuating several properties. Luckily no one was inside.”

“An investigation is currently underway and a cordon remains in place.”