A girl whose clothes caught fire at home died yesterday - a day before her fifth birthday.

Kynat Akhter had come into contact with a gas fire as she played in the lounge of her home in Emerson Avenue, Middlesbrough.

She was resuscitated by firefighters, who were called to the scene at about 4pm on Saturday, before being taken to Middlesbrough General Hospital.

Kynat was later transferred to the specialist paediatric intensive care unit at Newcastle General Hospital, where she died in the early hours of yesterday.

An investigation into the tragedy has been launched by Cleveland Fire Brigade and Cleveland Police.

Firefighter Tony Marwood, district manager for Middlesbrough, said: "It is usual to hold a joint investigation when there has been a fatality.

"We are not treating it as suspicious and it seems it was just a tragic accident.

"All of our thoughts are with the family at this very sad time. It was also especially harrowing for the fire crews who attended the incident."

Detective Sergeant Colin Galloway, of Cleveland Police, said: "This was a tragic accident especially at this time of year. Her parents are obviously devastated and we are still waiting to speak to them."

Kynat was a pupil at Green Lane Primary School, Middlesbrough.

Headteacher Janet Lucas said: "We are all shocked and are trying to come to terms with the tragedy."

The coroner has been informed and an inquest is expected to be held.