Tragedy as body discovered after horrific incident today leading to road closure

An investigation has been launched following the death of a 71-year-old man in a house fire.

Fire services were called to a ground-floor flat in South Tyneside at about 10.45pm on Sunday.

The 71-year-old was the only person at the flat in Salcombe Avenue, Jarrow, which was ablaze when fire crews attended.

Crews from South Shields, Hebburn and Washington stations, were on scene at the address in a matter of minutes, Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service (TWFRS) said.

They were able to extinguish the fire but found a 71-year-old man, who was pronounced dead at the scene.

The man was the sole occupant of the flat.

A joint investigation into the circumstances around the fire has now been launched by TWFRS and Northumbria Police.

At this stage it is not thought to be suspicious.

Assistant Chief Fire Officer Lynsey McVay, of TWFRS, said: “Any death is a tragedy and our thoughts are with the man’s family at this incredibly difficult time.

“Our crews were on scene in a matter of minutes and were able to locate and extinguish the fire quickly, but unfortunately the occupier had already passed away.

“There is substantial damage throughout the property so establishing the exact cause of the fire may take some time.

“Our fire investigation team have not found anything to suggest the fire is suspicious but we will be supporting Northumbria Police as they carry out enquiries into the incident.

“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.”

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Detective Inspector Chris Raper-Smith, of Northumbria Police, said: “This is a tragic incident and our thoughts go out to the family and friends of the man involved.

“An investigation has been launched alongside the fire service as to the cause of the blaze and that is very much ongoing. However, at this early stage, it is not believed to be suspicious.”