POLICE sealed off a street in Newsome after a drive-by shooting this afternoon.

But their investigations were hampered minutes later, when a blaze broke out just yards from the scene.

Fire crews were called to tackle the blaze in a former mill-owner's house at the rear of the landmark Newsome Mills - yards from Ruth Street, which had been the scene of the earlier shooting.

It is not thought the incidents are linked at this stage.

Police said they had no reports of anyone being hurt but confirmed they are investigating reports a shot was fired from a car travelling along Ruth Street, which runs past Newsome Mills.

The fire sent clouds of dense smoke pouring into the sky above the Mills, which have been derelict for years.

Full story in tomorrow's Examiner.