An elderly man has died following a house fire in Darlington yesterday (Thursday, March 7).

Emergency services descended on Rockingham Street shortly after 3.30pm on Thursday afternoon after the blaze.

It’s understood paramedics were first on scene, where they found the man, in his 80s, with what they believed to be fire-related injuries.

Firefighters arrived soon after and found a small fire had already been extinguished.

The man was pronounced dead at the scene.

Last night a joint police and fire investigation was launched, and fire investigators are working to determine the cause of the blaze.

The Northern Echo: Firefighters at the scene.Firefighters at the scene. (Image: CONNOR LARMAN)

A spokesperson for the County Durham and Darlington Fire and Rescue service (CDDFRS) said: “Yesterday at 3.33pm, we were alerted by the ambulance service to a report of a man with believed fire related injuries within a home on Rockingham Street.

“Three fire appliances were immediately deployed, with the first crew arriving at the scene in under three minutes. Upon arrival, crews discovered that there had been a small fire, which was already out.

“Sadly, a man in his 80s was pronounced deceased at the scene.

“First and foremost, the thoughts of everyone at CDDFRS are with the friends, family and neighbours of the gentleman who sadly passed away.

“We ask that people give those close to him the privacy they need as they attempt to come to terms with what has happened.”

The air ambulance was seen circling the area but was stood down shortly before landing when the man was pronounced dead.

Durham Police has been contacted for comment.

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The fire service added it is the second time in less than two weeks someone has lost their life in a house fire.

The spokesperson added: “As a service, we work hand in hand with all partners to protect and educate members of our communities about the dangers of fire and we therefore, once again, issue our plea to everyone to please take up our offer of free Home Fire Safety Visits (HFSV).

“During HFSVs we can check or fit smoke alarms for free and help plan a safe escape in an emergency, while offering tailored home fire safety advice. To book a visit call the Service on 0345 223 4221.”