Neighbours have spoken of their shock after a huge fire engulfed a home in North Shields.
The fire took hold in the early hours of this morning (January 16), with the emergency services called to the property - in Vicarage Street and just off Waterville Road - at 3.28am. At least five fire engines were dispatched to the scene, as well as police, North East Ambulance Service and personnel from Northern Gas Networks and Northern Powergrid.
Three people - thought to be family members - have been taken to hospital with serious injuries. Their condition is unknown at this time.
