An elderly woman has died in hospital after a bungalow fire in South Shields.
Firefighters found the woman unconscious when they were called out to a blaze on Millais Gardens at 2.39pm on Saturday.
They found evidence of a kitchen fire which had been extinguished before they performed CPR on the woman until paramedics arrived.
She was taken to hospital but later died.
Lynsey McVay, fire service area manager for community safety, said: “This is a tragic incident and our deepest sympathies are with the family and friends of this lady.
"It goes without saying that all homes should also have working smoke alarms on every level. Please test them regularly to keep yourself and your family safe.”
There was minor damage to the house and it is believed the fire was accidental.
Investigations are being carried out by the fire service and police in an attempt to establish the cause.
