Man Dies In Sunderland Fire

A man has died after a fire at a house in Sunderland.

Published 10th Dec 2014

Firefighters were called to an area of Hendon just before midnight on Tuesday (9th December).

A man was found dead in a ground floor flat that was fully alight.

It’s as firefighters were on a 24 hour strike, but that wasn’t broken and retained officers were called out.

Another man, who called the emergency crews from the upstairs flat, was taken to hospital as a precaution.

Chief Fire Officer Tom Capeling, Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service, said: "Our thoughts and sympathies go out to this gentleman’s family and friends at this very sad time.

“I would like to encourage people to take extra care. I cannot emphasise enough to everyone the importance of having working smoke alarms. Every household should have one on every level and they should be checked regularly. They give you the vital minutes you need to get out safely.”