A man has tragically died following a devastating house fire in South Shields in the early hours of Christmas Eve.
Fire crews were at the address on Seton Avenue after just six minutes of the emergency call to find a 70-year-old man trapped inside the raging inferno.
Firefighters battled through the blaze to pull the man from the property, but he was pronounced dead at the scene, despite best efforts to save him.
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Area manager Phil Clark, of Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service (TWFRS), said: “Our thoughts are with the family and friends of this victim who has lost his life just hours before Christmas Day.
“Our crews were on scene in a matter of minutes, and rescued this man from the burning building, but unfortunately the man was found to have significant injuries.
“Our fire investigation team will be supporting Northumbria Police as they prepare a report for the coroner.”
Phil praised the fire crews and staff involved for their quick actions while attending the horrific incident, and said they will be offered any necessary support.
“As with all incidents of this nature, we will be looking to see if anything can be learned that will help us make our communities safer,” he added.
Meanwhile, Northumbria Police confirmed this afternoon that there is not believed to have been suspicious circumstances surrounding the fire.
“At 1.20am on Saturday (December 24) officers were alerted to a house fire on Seton Avenue in South Shields,” said a spokesman for the force.
“Emergency services attended and sadly a 70-year-old man was found deceased inside. His next of kin have been notified.
“Officers do not believe there to have been any third party involvement and a report will be made for the coroner.”
TWFRS offers free home visits as part of their safe and well checks, during which they can check smoke alarms or fit new ones.
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