Two people die in
Two people have tragically died after a major fire broke out a property on a residential street in a popular UK town. Emergency services rushed 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.
Despite the best efforts of firefighters and paramedics, a man in his 40s and a woman in her 70s were pronounced dead at the scene. A man in his 70s was also found inside the property and was taken to hospital. Five fire engines were dispatched to the incident, where firefighters rescued people from the house before extinguishing the blaze. A police cordon remains in place as officers and fire investigators work to establish the cause of the fire. Northumbria Police said: "Two people have tragically died following a house fire in North Tyneside. Shortly after 3.30am today (Wednesday) police received a report from Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service of a fire at an address on Cragside Avenue in the North Shields area.
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"Emergency services attended the scene and a man in his 40s and a woman in her 70s were found inside the address. Despite the efforts of responders, both sadly died at the scene."
The force added: "The next of kin for both have been made aware. A man in his 70s was also found inside the property, he has been taken to hospital for treatment of injuries."
The force added that two neighbouring homes were evacuated as a precaution following the blaze.
The cause of the fire remains unknown, with a joint investigation now under way.
Detective Inspector Barry McAtominey, the senior investigating officer, said: "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."
The officer also paid tribute to the victims and their families.
He added: "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."
Firefighters rescued people from the property before bringing the blaze under control, while the North East Ambulance Service sent three ambulance crews, specialist HART teams and support from the Great North Air Ambulance Service.
One patient was taken to hospital by road for further treatment.
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.