Two dead after fire destroys house in North Shields

Two people have died after a house fire broke in the early hours of Wednesday morning.

The police and fire brigade rushed to an address on Cragside Avenue in North Shields shortly after 3.30am, where they found a man in his 40s and a woman in her 70s.

Despite efforts by first responders, they couldn’t be saved. Police say the next of kin for both have been told.

Senior Investigating Officer Detective Inspector Barry McAtominey from Northumbria Police 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.’

Two neighboring properties were evacuated as a precaution, and a cordon remains in place.

A Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service Spokesperson said: ‘We can confirm that five appliances attended an incident in North Tyneside.

‘The emergency call came in to our Control Room team at 03:27, and appliances from our Tynemouth, Byker, South Shields, and Gosforth Community Fire Stations were dispatched to the North Shields area.

‘The incident involved a fire in a house. Firefighters rescued persons from the property and extinguished the blaze.’

Three ambulances, a rapid response paramedic, a duty officer, a clinical team leader and three hazardous area response team resources were sent to the scene.

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