A MAN has been arrested in connection with a the fire which consumed thousands of tonnes of tyres at a North Yorkshire recycling plant.

The blaze, which started at the Newgen Tyre Recycling Plant in Sherburn-in-Elmet last Thursday and is still burning today, saw more than a dozen fire crews brought in from across Yorkshire, and a plume of thick black smoke billow 5,000 feet into the air.

North Yorkshire Police confirmed this afternoon they have launched a joint investigation with North Yorkshire Fire and Rescue, and said a 51-year-old local man had been arrested and released on bail while enquiries continue.

A spokesman said enquiries were still in the early stages, but the man was arrested, questioned and released yesterday.

Fire crews are expected to remain at the scene for the next two weeks, to monitor the blaze, which is now being allowed to burn itself out. The smoke is no longer black, and is dispersing in the wind, but residents have been advised there may be a stronger odour from the smoke in coming days.

Residents are also advised to keep their windows and doors closed as a precaution, and passing motorists should close their car windows and air vents, and turn off their air conditioning when passing the scene.