DETAILS of a dramatic rescue attempt from a fierce house fire which left a much-loved grandmother dead have emerged, as investigations into the cause continue.

Michael Morton risked his own life to rescue his mother-in-law, Valerie Merritt, who died in the blaze at about 2.10pm on Wednesday afternoon.

The 52-year-old ran into the smoke-filled property on South Magdalene in Medomsley, near Consett, County Durham, but was overcome by heat and flames.

He broke his foot trying to get up the stairs and now has a plaster on his leg.

Mrs Merritt’s husband Nicky, who used a mobility scooter, was already out of the house when the first fire crew arrived.

Lee Brown, assistant district manager of County Durham and Darlington Fire and Rescue Service, said: “The first floor was well alight and the flames were coming out of the bedroom window.

“Crew members were faced with extreme heat and extreme visibility conditions. “They have been firefighting on their way up the stairs and cooling the gases.

“It has been that intense they have had to stay a little bit longer than they would have hoped. They got upstairs and fought the fire then have done a search and managed to find the lady up there, who unfortunately had died on the scene.”

Two firefighters received burns to their faces during the rescue attempt.

Mr Brown said: “They are absolutely fine but the bravery they have shown is unbelievable.

“They were the first ones here and had to tackle the fire by themselves and have made a great effort in getting upstairs.”

The death of Mrs Merritt, who has three daughters and seven grandchildren, has stunned to the close knit community.

A family friend, who lives over the road, said: “They were a lovely couple. “Everybody is a bit shocked.”

Christopher Rose, who lives in the village and knows the family, said: “When it is close to home and someone you know it is even more shocking.

“With it being such a small community the news has travelled very fast.”

A police and fire service investigation is now underway into the cause of the fire. An inquest will be carried out by the County Durham coroner.

Krishna Krishnapillai, who works in the Best-One store opposite the house, said: “I know the lady who died, she came in every morning for her paper. She was a lovely woman. It is really shocking.”