Man and woman die in house fire after 'lit cigarette dropped on lounge carpet'

A man and a woman have died in a tragic house fire which is thought to have started when a lit cigarette was dropped on the living room carpet.

Firefighters and police dashed to the flat in Langley Mill, Derbyshire, at 11.45am today after a neighbour called 999.

However tragically the bodies of the man and woman were found inside the property.

The fire had started in the living room but was out by the time firefighters entered the property.

Group Manager of Derbyshire Fire and Rescue Service Lee Smith said: "This is a tragic accident that has sadly led to the death of two people and our thoughts and sympathy go to the family and friends of the deceased at this distressing time.

Police called firefighters to the scene (Getty Images)

"The fire service responded to the incident following a police request to attend as they had discovered that there had been a fire in the living room and smoke damage throughout the rest of the property.

"A joint police and fire investigation has concluded that the most probable cause of the fire was "accidental due to smoking materials."

One resident said: "The theory is that a cigarette was dropped on the carpet and started a fire which they tried to put out but got overcome by fumes. It's really tragic, especially at this time of year."

The man and woman have yet to be formally identified and a file has been sent to the coroner.