AN elderly woman has died in a fire after her frying pan burst into flames.

Fire broke out just after 3pm on Tuesday at the home of Nellie Donkin, 80, of Derwent Way, Blaydon, Gates-head.

Investigators believe she was cooking something in hot fat when it ignited.

They think she made the situation worse when she tried to tackle it by throwing water on the pan, which reacted with the oil.

Mrs Donkin was taken to the Queen Elizabeth Hospital, in Gateshead, by ambulance and admitted for treatment to burns, but she died overnight.

Tyne and Wear Fire Brigade watch manager David Buxton said: "When we arrived, we were met with a fire that had taken place in the kitchen. The fire was out and the lady was being tended to by a neighbour.

"It appears to have been caused by an accident with a frying pan."

He warned people of the dangers of using water to tackle oil fires in pans.

He said: "Any type of hot oil fire does not like having water applied to it at any stage.

"It will react violently and that is what we think has happened in this case."

Police are investigating the circumstance surrounding Mrs Donkin's death, although they said the incident was not being treated as suspicious.

A post-mortem examination to establish the cause of death is expected to take place today.

The coroner has been informed and an inquest is expected to be opened next week.