A man has died after being rescued from a burning house on Christmas Eve.
Fire crews were called to reports of a fire at a residential property in South Shields, South Tyneside shortly after 1am on Christmas Eve (December 24).
Firefighters found the property on Seton Avenue up in flames and entered the house, using breathing apparatus to rescue a 70-year-old man who was inside the building.
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The man was tragically pronounced dead at the scene having sustained significant injuries.
Nobody else was inside the house at the time of the fire.
Phil Clark, Area Manager at the Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service 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.
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“I want to thank the crews, and our Fire Control, for their quick actions in attending the incident and we will do everything we can to ensure they have the support they need.
“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.”
Fire officials have said the fire is not deemed to be suspicious and a report will be prepared for the coroner.
A Northumbria Police spokesperson added: “At 1.20am on Saturday (December 24) officers were alerted to a house fire on Seton Avenue in South Shields.
“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.”
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