Neighbours in a close-knit community have been left traumatised after a ferocious house fire claimed the lives of a man and woman.
Flames were seen shooting through windows of the family home on Woodland Terrace in Darlington and thick black smoke billowed from the property.
Parents from neighbouring houses rushed their children to safety as emergency services battled to get the blaze under control in the early hours of Saturday morning.
Read more: Tragedy in Darlington as man and woman die in devastating house fire
One man, who was in the house with his young daughter, said: “I woke up to the sounds of smashing glass.
“I went to the bay window and all I could see was orange. Then I saw the flames spurting out of the window.
“I ran out and people were in the street. I took my daughter to my mum’s who lives around the corner.”
The man who lives next door said he, his and their two daughters had to get out because their house was filling up with smoke.
He said: “We got the kids out but it was pretty scary.”
A woman was pronounced dead at the scene and a man who was taken to Newcastle's Royal Victoria Infirmary died later on Saturday.
A floral tribute has now been left on the gate of the property in their memory.
One woman, who knew the lady who lost her life to say ‘hello’ to, said: “I used to speak to her when I was walking the dog.
“She was a nice lady. She was a very friendly. It is very sad.”
Firefighters and police were at the house on Sunday afternoon along with a Northern Gas Networks engineer.
An investigation is now underway to establish the circumstances surrounding the fire, which has destroyed the ground floor and first floor of the house.
County Durham and Darlington Fire and Rescue Service said they were called at 4.43am on Saturday.
A spokesperson said: "On arrival, crews were met by a fully developed fire on the ground and first floor of the property.
“Firefighters, wearing breathing apparatus entered the property and proceeded to conduct a search and extinguish the fire using hose reels.
“One male occupant was rescued from the property by fire service personnel and taken to hospital due to his injuries.
“Unfortunately, one female occupant was sadly pronounced dead at the scene.
“Later that day, the male occupant who was rescued sadly passed away also.
“Our thoughts are with the families and friends of those affected by this tragic incident."
North East Ambulance Service confirmed it has attended.
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A spokesperson said: “We were called to reports of a fire at a property in Woodland Terrace, Darlington, shortly before 5am on May 13.
“We dispatched two ambulance crews, one crew from our Hazardous Area Response Team, a clinical team leader and an officer, and requested support from Great North Air Ambulance Service.
“One patient was taken to the RVI for further treatment.”
It is understood a joint investigation will be carried out with Durham Constabulary.
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