An investigation has been launched after a woman was killed in a North Shields house fire on Saturday.
Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service and Northumbria Police officers were called to Dorset Grove after receiving reports of a blaze shortly after 2pm.
An elderly woman was found dead inside the property in what is being classed as an "unexplained" death.
The cause of the fire, which started in the kitchen and caused severe damage, has not been formally established.
Fire service area manager Lynsey McVay said: "This is terrible news for the family and friends of this lady.
"Our thoughts and sympathies go out to them at this very sad time.
"At the moment we don’t yet know the cause of the fire but we would always urge people to make sure that they have a working smoke alarm and that they check it regularly in an attempt to prevent tragedies like this occurring.”
Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service and Northumbria Police are probing into the cause of the fire.
Detective Inspector Martin Brooks of Northumbria Police’s Northern CID said: "It is very early in our investigation to say what has caused this fire and so we are treating this death as unexplained.
"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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