Police statement in full as two people die in North Shields house fire
Two people have tragically died following a house fire in North Tyneside. Emergency services were called to Cragside Avenue in North Shields shortly after 3:30am on Wednesday after Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service reported a blaze at the address.
A man in his 40s and a woman in her 70s were found inside the property. Despite the efforts of responders, both sadly died at the scene. A man in his 70s was also found inside the house and was taken to hospital for treatment of his injuries.
Two neighbouring properties were evacuated as a precaution and a cordon remains in place. A section of the road remains closed as officers and fire investigators continue to carry out enquiries in the area.
Five fire appliances attended the incident after the emergency call came in to the control room at 3:27am. Appliances from Tynemouth, Byker, South Shields and Gosforth Community Fire Stations were dispatched to the North Shields area. Firefighters rescued persons from the property and extinguished the blaze.
Multiple emergency response teams were mobilised. The North East Ambulance Service dispatched three ambulance crews, one rapid response paramedic, one clinical team leader, one duty officer and three HART resources, with support from the Great North Air Ambulance Service. One patient was taken to hospital by road for further treatment.
Senior Investigating Officer Detective Inspector Barry McAtominey said: "This is an absolutely devastating incident in which two people have tragically lost their lives. All of our thoughts and condolences are with their family and friends at this incredibly difficult time. Enquiries remain at a very early stage and with the support of our partners from Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service we are determined to establish exactly what happened. We are asking anyone with information no matter how small or insignificant it may seem to come forward and share what they know."
Anyone with information is asked to contact Northumbria Police via social media, live chat or report forms on the force's website, or by calling 101 quoting reference NP-20260701-0129.