A MAN has died after a house fire in the early hours of this morning.

The blaze broke out in the bedroom of a house in the Millfield area of Sunderland shortly before 1am and the first fire crews on the scene found the building well alight.

A woman and two teenage boys escaped from the house before the arrival of firefighters.

Six firefighters went into the building wearing breathing equipment, but discovered the man dead in the bedroom where the fire started.

Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service are investigating the cause of the fire, but do not believe at this stage that it was started maliciously. They also believe the house did not have a smoke alarm.

Group Manager John Allison, Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service, attended the incident said: "Our thoughts and wishes are with the family and friends at this very sad time. Fires can have such devastating consequences as we have seen today.

"I would also like to take the opportunity to encourage anyone who has not got smoke alarms to fit them in their property and for people to check they work on a weekly basis.

They really can be the difference between life and death, providing early warning of a fire and vital minutes to escape."

The three other people who escaped the property were taken to Sunderland Royal Hospital by ambulance but later discharged.