A man has died after a house fire despite desperate efforts to save his life.

Emergency services were called shortly after 2am on Sunday morning to Wilton Avenue in Newcastle.

Three crews from Tyne and Wear and Fire and Rescue Service arrived on scene within just four minutes and found the residential two-storey terraced home on fire.

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Firefighters entered the building and a 43-year-old man was rescued from inside.

He was given emergency first aid by the crews but was pronounced dead at the scene by paramedics.

Firefighters continued to tackle the fire and were able to prevent it from spreading to nearby properties before it was fully extinguished.

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Area Manager Ken Corbett, of TWFRS, said: “Our thoughts go out to the man’s family during this incredibly difficult time.

“I want to applaud the crews for their swift actions in providing emergency care for the man before our colleagues from the North East Ambulance Service arrived.

"Any death in the region is a tragedy and we are working hard alongside Northumbria Police in a joint investigation into the circumstances around the fire."

Anyone who has concerns about a vulnerable relative, neighbour or friend is encouraged to arrange a free home visit by visiting the Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service website.

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A Northumbria Police spokesperson said: “This is a tragic incident and our thoughts go out to the family and friends of the man who has sadly passed away at this difficult time.

“Officers do not believe the death to be suspicious, or that there was any third-party involvement.

“An investigation into the cause of the fire is ongoing and a report has been made for the coroner.”