CHILDREN were among those taken to safety after fire destroyed their home.

The three-storey house was gutted by the blaze.

Although no people were injured, two pet golden labradors died in the incident on Sunday morning.

A faulty tumble driver, which was switched off, is thought to have caused the blaze at the house in Darlington.

The family - now staying with neighbours -did not want to comment last night, but it is thought at least three young boys lived in the house with their mother and had to be taken out by neighbours, friends and family.

The fire began just before 5am at Kempton Court, on the town's Red Hall estate.

One resident in the cul-de-sac said she was woken at 5am on Sunday by the sound of smoke alarms.

She said: "I heard the smoke alarms, and could see the smoke, and by the time I looked out, the family were all safe outside.

"I could hear them shouting about the dogs.

"I was shocked, but I did not want to stay and watch. It is not the sort of thing you want to look at."

The house walls were left blackened with smoke, with the guttering melted and twisted. Six windows at the front and back were smashed, and shards of glass littered the street.

Another neighbour, who did not want to be named, said: "Looking at it now, it is a miracle no one was hurt. I know the dogs died, but it could have been much worse."

Most neighbours were too shocked to comment. One said: "It is an absolute tragedy."

The dogs were removed by council workers later on Sunday morning.

Inspector Peter Foster, of Durham Police, said: "All persons evacuated were given assistance by friends, neighbours or relatives. There were no injuries.

"The seat of the fire was in the first-floor kitchen.

"Inquiries are at an early stage, but the fire is not being treated as suspicious.

"The premises are not habitable, and the building is unsafe."