A 40-YEAR-OLD woman has died in a house fire and a five-year-old boy is in hospital with serious burns.

A 47-year-old man and a 22-year-old female managed to escape the fire in Havelock Street, Thornaby, near Stockton, but were detained in hospital.

Police and fire officers have launched an investigation into the cause of the fire which happened at about 5pm last night.

The woman was pronounced dead at the scene but the boy was rescued by firefighters. The child was initially taken to James Cook University Hospital in Middlesbrough with serious burns but was later transferred to the burns unit of Newcastle General Hospital. The man and woman were at James Cook Hospital this morning.

Forensic experts were at the scene this morning as the investigation into the cause of the fire began. The area was cordoned off.

Acting inspector Tony Locke, of Stockton police, said: "This was a serious fire which has sadly resulted in one fatality and a five-year-old child suffering extensive burns. At this time the cause of the fire remains unknown. A full investigation has been commenced and enquiries will take some time to complete."

The coroner's officer has been informed.