Eight fire engines were called to a major blaze at Antalya Shawarma on Linthorpe Road in Middlesbrough on Saturday, 20 June, after flames tore through the takeaway and spread to a neighbouring supermarket awning. The fire service received the call at approximately 10:45am, and crews from across Teesside were dispatched to tackle the inferno.
Witness Describes Chaos as Flames Erupted
A 33-year-old member of the public who raised the alarm described the scene as “crazy,” with flames so intense that he feared an explosion. He told Teesside Live: “I was sat in my car outside Iceland waiting for my cousin who was sitting his theory test. I saw smoke and thought it was a barbecue at first and then it turned black so I called 999. I was helping alert people, banging on windows. Everyone inside the shop came out.”
The witness noted that a blue car parked outside had to have its window broken to move it because the keys were left inside the takeaway. The first fire crew arrived about 15 minutes after his call. “The flames were so hot. I was just trying to help alert people. I'm born and bred in Middlesbrough, it's a good community... I felt sorry for the staff watching it - their hard work. It makes you realise just how fast it can spread,” he said.
Emergency Services Response
Cleveland Fire Brigade deployed eight fire appliances, an aerial platform, and three duty officers to the scene. A spokesperson said: “Cleveland Fire Brigade is currently attending an incident at Linthorpe Road, Middlesbrough. Members of the public are asked to avoid the area where possible to ensure emergency service vehicles have clear and unrestricted access.”
The North East Ambulance Service also attended, dispatching one ambulance crew, one clinical team leader, one duty officer, and two Hazardous Area Response Team (HART) resources. A spokesperson confirmed the incident was ongoing.
Cleveland Police established a cordon between Gresham Road and Princes Road, and Linthorpe Road was closed to traffic. Plumes of thick black smoke could be seen across Middlesbrough, with sirens blaring as emergency vehicles rushed to the scene.
Ongoing Investigation
The cause of the fire is under investigation. Further information is expected to be released by Cleveland Fire Brigade. The incident highlights the rapid spread of fire in commercial premises and the importance of community vigilance.
