Man, 90, dies in chip pan fire

Two fire engines arrived within six minutes of being called out

A 90-year-old man has died in a fire believed to be caused by an unattended chip pan.

Emergency services went to the kitchen fire in West Auckland, County Durham, on Monday morning.

The County Durham and Darlington Fire and Rescue Service offered condolences to the man's family as they urged people to help others check their fire alarms.

Group manager Chris Williams said: "At tragic times like this we are reminded of the dangers of fire and the reality that fire kills."

Encouraging people to check their alarms every week, he added: "We ask that you all please reach out to your neighbours - particularly those who are older and living alone - and offer to test their smoke alarms or help arrange a home fire safety visit from their local fire crews."

A report will be submitted to the coroner following a joint investigation into the cause of the fire, carried out between the fire service and Durham Constabulary.