A businessman says he has been left devastated after discovering one person has been found dead during a blaze in his Ashington flat.
Fire crews were called to the first floor flat on Milburn Road at around 11.40pm on Thursday after flames had spread throughout the entire property.
While carrying out a search the crews found a body. The person was pronounced dead at the scene.
The owner of the flat, Michael Sanghera, 59, has told ChronicleLive he is still in shock following the tragic incident.
He said: "I've been informed that the person who has died was a man. It is not the person who was is renting the property from me.
"I left the chip shop at around 10.40pm last night and everything was fine.
"It wasn't until 1am that I got a phone call from the police. I expected them to say the shop had been broken into - nothing like this.
"It is an absolute tragedy. I'm shocked and we're left wondering what is going on?
"I'm devastated at the loss of life. I hope if anyone is responsible for this that they are brought to justice as soon as possible."
A Northumberland Fire and Rescue Service spokeswoman said she could not confirm the age, gender or identity of the deceased at this stage.
An investigation is now under way to determine the cause of the blaze.
Mr Sanghera, who also owns Milburn Chippy across the road to the flat, believes the fire may have completely destroyed his property.
"An investigation is taking place and I have been told the fire service could be there for two days," he said.
"They need to establish if it is safe to go inside.
"I'm not allowed in so I don't know the exact condition of the property. From the outside it looks like it has been totally gutted.
"We have had firefighters and CID here today doing door to door enquiries.
"I'm in shock and still trying to piece together what has happened myself."
