Man confirmed dead after caravan fire

A man was found dead at the scene of a caravan fire, police have confirmed.

Northumbria Police officers are carrying out investigations after the man was found dead at the scene of the blaze in the Grasswell area of Houghton on Friday.

A force spokesman said: “Shortly after 10am (on Friday) we were alerted by the ambulance service to a fire inside a caravan off Blind Lane, Houghtonle-Spring.

“Emergency services attended and the body of a male was discovered. A formal identification process is ongoing and officers are carrying out enquiries to ascertain the cause of the fire.

“The man’s family have been notified. Anyone with information is asked to contact 101 quoting reference 276 060320.”

Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service said it received a call at 9.46am on March 6, reporting a static mobile home on fire near Blind Lane.

The fire is understood to have taken place at the Showmen’s Guild site.

The fire and rescue service said three appliances attended the fire. The North East Ambulance Service sent two Hazardous Area Response Team (HART) crews and one paramedic ambulance, but said they were not required. Fire fighters say the mobile home, which measured eight metres by three metres, suffered 100% severe damage.

The crews used two hose reels, breathing apparatus, thermal imaging and positive pressure ventilation (fans and blowers) to tackle the flames and smoke.

Fire officers have conducted a fire investigation.