A MAN and woman have died following a fire at their North-East home.

Emergency services were called to the house in Wharton Street in South Shields, just after midnight.

Firefighters removed the occupants who were pronounced dead at the scene.

Police have said they will not identified until they are satisfied all of their relatives have been informed.

It was not known how the fire started, but it was not thought to be suspicious.

An investigation into the cause is under way.