An elderly man has died after being rescued from a blaze at his home in South Tyneside.
Four firefighters entered the 85-year-old's bungalow in South Shields and rescued him from the fire. He was given emergency treatment at the scene before being taken to hospital.
Sadly the man, who lived in the Biddick Hall area of the town, passed away the following morning.
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Crews from Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service (TWFRS) rushed to the residential fire after receiving a call at 5.02pm on Saturday evening. They sent two fire engines from South Shields Community Fire Station and they arrived within six-minutes of the 999 call.
Four firefighters using breathing apparatus immediately entered the property and rescued the resident from the fire. The man was given emergency treatment by firefighters until the North East Ambulance Service (NEAS) arrived.
He was later taken to South Tyneside District Hospital where he sadly passed away from his injuries on Sunday morning.
An investigation is currently being carried out to identify the cause of the incident. At this time, is is not believed to have been started deliberately.
Area Manager Phil Clark, of TWFRS, said: "Our thoughts are with the family and friends of the victim at this sad time. Our crews were in attendance of the fire within minutes of the emergency call and were able to rescue the resident from the property.
"Firefighters alongside other blue light colleagues fought tirelessly to help save the life of the resident. They did an incredible job, in very difficult circumstances, and will also be offered any support they may need.
"Our fire investigation team will also be supporting Northumbria Police as they prepare a report for the coroner. With any fatal fire in the region we will always look to see if there is anything we can learn to help keep the communities of Tyne and Wear safe from harm."
A Northumbria Police spokesperson said: "This is a tragic incident and our thoughts go out to the family and friends of the man involved. Police do not believe the death to be suspicious or that there was any third-party involvement. A report has been made for the coroner."
TWFRS offer free home visits as part of their safe and well checks. They can check smoke alarms or fit new ones, identify fire risks and work with occupants to address issues in their home.
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