A woman has died in a house fire earlier this morning.
Police and fire crews were called to Unity Terrace in Tantobie, near Stanley, County Durham, on Sunday (October 15) morning shortly after 9.30am.
Sadly, a woman in her 40s was pronounced dead at the scene.
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Three fire crews attended and brought the blaze under control.
Durham Police confirmed an investigation has been launched and officers are expected to remain at the scene until at least Monday.
Pictures from the scene show where flames charred an upstairs window at the property.
The blaze is not being currently treated as suspicious.
A force spokesperson said: “Although the fire is not currently being treated as suspicious, an investigation into the circumstances of the incident has now been launched.
“Anyone with any information is asked to call Durham Constabulary, quoting incident reference 87 of October 15.”
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A spokesperson for the County Durham and Darlington Fire and Rescue Service (CDDFRS) said: "We received the initial call to a house fire on Unity Terrace, Tantobie at 9.34am this morning.
"Appliances from High Handenhold, Consett and Durham attended and quickly brought the fire under control.
"We are working closely with our police colleagues and a joint police and fire investigation will take place on Monday, October 16."
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