Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service (TWFRS) have sadly announced that in the past 24-hours their crews have attended two fires involving fatalities in the region.

The two separate fires involving fatalities took place overnight in Newcastle and Sunderland.

The first emergency call was received by TWFRS’s Fire Control team last night (Thursday 14^th December) at 11.20pm about a fire at a property on Benwell Lane in Newcastle.

Fire Control immediately dispatched three appliances to the scene and as the incident developed a further three appliances and an Aerial Ladder Platform (ALP) were required.

The first crew arrived on scene within five minutes and found the house on fire.

Firefighters entered the building and located a 64-year-old man who was sadly pronounced dead at the scene by paramedics.

They can also confirm that in the early hours of this morning crews attended a second fire involving a fatality this time on Wearside.

TWFRS Fire Control took the 999 call at 2.17am for a suspected fire at a sheltered accommodation on Rotherfield Road in Sunderland.

Three appliances were sent to the fire with the first being on scene in just a matter of minutes.

Upon arrival at the home, an elderly resident was rescued from the building by firefighters, and administered oxygen and first aid until the arrival of the paramedics.

The 66-year old gentleman was later taken to hospital but sadly died from his injuries.

Deputy Chief Fire Officer Stewart Nicholson, of TWFRS, said: “Our thoughts go out to the families of both men during this incredibly difficult time.

“Any death in the region is a tragedy and we are working hard alongside Northumbria Police in a joint investigation into the circumstances of each fire.

“We would also like to pass on our thoughts to the emergency service crews who attended the fires, and for their efforts in rescuing the causalities.”

Over the coming days Fire Service officers will be delivering ‘Safe and Well’ visits to residential properties in-and-around the neighbouring areas, where they will be giving resident’s fire safety advice.

A Northumbria Police spokesperson said: “These are two very tragic incidents and our thoughts are with the loved ones of both men at this difficult time.

“We remain committed to establishing the causes of both fires and officers are working together with investigators from Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service at this time.”

The next of kin for the deceased have been informed of their passing.