EYEWITNESSES REPORT WOMAN PLUCKED TO SAFETY

FORENSIC officers were last night investigating a fatal fire at an abandoned care home.

The blaze claimed the life of one man after it broke out in the early hours of yesterday morning.

Emergency services were called to Easington High Street near Peterlee, at around 2.40am where they found an unconscious man at the property. Sadly, he was pronounced dead a short time later.

The cause of the fire is still being established and a joint emergency services investigation is now under way, with police appealing for witnesses. They have asked anyone who saw anything suspicious to get in touch.

One local, who did not want to be named, said: “At about 2am there was a woman screaming: ‘It’s dark I can’t get out and I’m trapped’.

“There were loads of people shouting, trying to get the woman out. People were saying ‘Catch her!’”

Another local said there were around seven fire engines in attendance.

“I saw them take a stretcher in at about 3.30 when I was making a coffee,” added the eyewitness.

Chief Fire Officer for Tyne and Wear Chris Lowther said: “Firefighters did everything they could to try and save the lives of all those involved.

“I commend their bravery, professionalism, and sheer effort. My thoughts are with the man who died.”

Det Insp Dave English from Northumbria Police said: “Since the incident last night we have a number of people now assisting us with our enquiry. I would urge anyone who witnessed the fire, who saw anything suspicious last night, or anyone with information that may be Investigators at the scene of yesterday’s deadly blaze which claimed a man’s life useful to police, please get in touch.

“There will be further police activity in the area today and extra officers in the area to offer reassurance to anyone with concerns.”

Anyone with information is asked to contact police on 101 quoting log 146 031118 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.