Man in his 60s dies following flat fire

Two crews from Darlington and another from Bishop Auckland were deployed to the scene on Sunday

A man in his 60s has died following a flat fire.

He was rescued from a property in Darlington's Forcett Street after a blaze broke out in the early hours of Sunday.

Firefighters performed CPR on the man, who was taken to hospital, but he died hours later.

County Durham and Darlington Fire and Rescue Service (CDDFRS) said a joint investigation with Durham Constabulary was under way, but the fire is not being treated as suspicious.

"As a fire service, this is never the outcome we hope for," he added.

"The thoughts of everyone at CDDFRS are with the family and friends of those affected by this tragic incident."

Fire crews will be in the area for the next few days to offer reassurance to neighbours and provide home fire safety advice.