A SERIOUS fire in a three-storey, five bedroom house saw the six occupants escape unharmed, along with the majority of their pets.
Six people fled the blaze at the property in Roker Park Road, Roker in Sunderland last night.
It is believed to have started in a bedroom on the first floor, which was completely destroyed.
The rest of the house suffered serious smoke, fire and water damage.
A spokeswoman for Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue said the six occupants were out of the property when fire crews arrived.
Six snakes and a cat were rescued, however a hamster perished in the fire, added the spokeswoman.
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