Floral tributes have been left at the scene of a fatal house fire where a pensioner tragically died.
At 1.20am on December 24 emergency services were called to a house fire on Seton Avenue in South Shields. A 70-year-old man was rescued from the burning building but was sadly pronounced dead at the scene.
Members of the community have been laying flowers at the scene over the weekend following the Christmas Eve tragedy. One tribute described the man as a "fantastic neighbour" who will be missed.
Read more: Tragedy as man dies after being rescued from South Shields house fire on Christmas Eve
It read: "My friend, you were a fantastic neighbour, we had many laughs together. You will be missed."
Another included a card which read: "Those we love most never go away. They still walk beside us each day."
Area manager Phil Clark, of Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service (TWFRS), 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."
Meanwhile, Northumbria Police confirmed this afternoon that there is not believed to have been suspicious circumstances surrounding the fire.
"At 1.20am on Saturday (December 24) officers were alerted to a house fire on Seton Avenue in South Shields," added a spokesman for the force.
"Emergency services attended and sadly a 70-year-old man was found deceased inside. His next of kin have been notified."
TWFRS offers free home visits as part of their safe and well checks, during which they can check smoke alarms or fit new ones.
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