Man in his 40s dies in house fire

Emergency crews were called to Davy Street in Ferryhill on Tuesday

A man has died in a house fire but emergency services do not believe it was caused deliberately.

The fire broke out on Davy Street in Ferryhill, County Durham, on Tuesday evening.

County Durham and Darlington Fire and Rescue Service (CDDFRS) said it was already out when crews arrived but the man was pronounced dead at the scene.

Fire investigators said they were working with Durham Police to find out how the blaze had started but it was "not believed to be suspicious".

CDDFRS said it was called at 20:42 GMT and sent two fire engines from Spennymoor and a third from Bishop Auckland.

Group manager Dan Wootton urged people to check they had working smoke alarms.

"We also encourage everyone to check in on their neighbours, especially those who are elderly or live alone," he said.

Firefighters from Spennymoor would be in the area to offer reassurance and provide home fire safety advice, the service said.