A PENSIONER died in the second blaze at his bungalow in two months, it has emerged.

Wheelchair-bound James Young, 87, died in what neighbours said was an "inferno" that engulfed his home in Douai Drive, Delves Lane, Consett, County Durham, early on Friday night.

The former Consett cafe owner, who had lived alone since the death of his wife, Maureen, was taken to hospital after he suffered smoke inhalation during a fire at the end of November. Two of the carers who had visited him daily also needed treatment.

Police and fire brigade investigators are still looking for the cause of the blaze, which is not being treated as suspicious.

Three fire crews were sent to the private property, which had smoke alarms, at about 6pm after flames were seen through the living room window.

Fire officer Steve Wharton said the first crew on the scene donned breathing gear, entered the bungalow and found Mr Young dead.

He said: "The fire was centred on the front room and was quite severe. It broke through the ceiling into the roof.

"The bungalow is semi-detached and there was some smoke damage to the neighbouring property, and the occupant needed oxygen treatment.''

Mr Wharton said that because of the fire last year, the brigade had fitted smoke alarms in some neighbouring homes.

Crews were also fitting alarms in other homes following Friday's fire.

Robert Lockey, who lives opposite the house with his partner, Linda Taylor, said: "We heard a loud bang as the windows exploded and saw the flames. There was nothing you could have done, it was an inferno.

"We knew he was in there because his carers, who went to see him three or four times a day, went out at 5pm."

Another neighbour said Mr Young, who used to be taken out in his wheelchair by his daughter and her partner, said: "He has not been very well. He has just been housebound.

"It is the second time it has happened. The first time he set fire to the chair and the carers got him out. He was taken to hospital because he had taken in smoke."

* People in County Durham can get a free fire risk assessment and alarms installed free.

To take up the offer, call 0191-332 4222.