A woman has died in hospital after being rescued from her burning flat in Gateshead.
On Saturday morning, firefighters were called to a ground floor flat on Rosebery Avenue in the Deckham area of Gateshead where a fire had broken out.
A woman was saved from the blaze and was taken by ambulance to the Royal Victoria Infirmary in Newcastle but died on Sunday.
Firefighters from Gateshead and Newcastle Central fire stations arrived at the home at 5.27am, where they found the fire in the living room and smoke damage to the rest of the flat.
A man had already escaped and was being cared for by paramedics when the fire crews arrived.
He was also taken to hospital suffering from burns and smoke inhalation, but his injuries are not thought to be life-threatening.
A dog and a budgie were also rescued by firefighters.
The cause of the fire is still under investigation.
Lynsey McVay, Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service area manager for community safety said: "This is extremely sad news and our thoughts and sympathies are with this lady’s family and friends. We also hope that the male casualty makes a full recovery.
"The cause of the fire is still under investigation, but this incident is a tragic reminder of the importance of having working smoke alarms. Please test them regularly to keep yourself, your family and your pets safe."
