Residents have spoken of their shock after an elderly woman was killed in a North Shields house fire.
The woman, who has not been named, was found dead inside a property on Dorset Grove after a fire broke out in the kitchen and caused severe damage.
Police, fire and paramedics were called at around 2pm on Saturday.
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Natalie Davies, 21, became aware of the incident when firefighters knocked on her door.
She added: "There was a fire engine, four firefighters, a few police officers and a forensics team.
"There was no smoke. I didn't realise there was fire until the firemen came round asking us to turn off all of our appliances before going to bed."
Natalie said: "It was quite a shock because nothing really happens on this street."
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Jean Dixon, who lives nearby, said: "I saw all the commotion - police and fire.
"She was such a lovely lady."
The cause of the fire has not been formally established and the death is being treated as "unexplained", with Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service and Northumbria Police probing the incident.
Detective Inspector Martin Brooks of Northumbria Police’s Northern CID said: "We will be working closely with Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue service to establish if any criminal offences have taken place and we will also be supporting the family at this incredibly difficult time.
"Anyone who has information that may assist the ongoing investigation is encouraged to call the police on 101.”
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