A WOMAN was found dead in a house after a fire.

Police were called to an address on Robsons Way, Birtley, near Chester-le-Street, following a report of a fire, 12.05am this morning.

The fire service attended and in the process of putting out the fire found the body of a woman within the property.

A 61-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of murder and remains in police custody.

Officers remain at the scene and are carrying out extensive enquiries into the incident.

Detective Inspector Paul Waugh from Northumbria Police is leading on the investigation said: “Since the incident last night we have established a cordon and carried out a number of house to house enquiries.

“There will be further police activity in the area today and extra officers in the area to offer reassurance to anyone with concerns.

“If anyone did see anything suspicious last night, or has information that may be useful to police, please get in touch.”

Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service (TWFRS) received a call at 11.30pm last night to attend a house fire in Birtley.

A crew from Birtley Community Fire Station arrived on scene within five minutes to discover a fire in the loft of a three-storey house on Robsons Way.

Two further crews from Washington and Gateshead arrived on scene within a further five minutes.

The loft was severely damaged by fire, and there was further damage to the second floor bedroom from the collapsed loft.

While in the process of extinguishing the fire crews discovered a body within the property.

TWFRS Group Manager – Service Delivery, Peter Iveson said: “This was a difficult and challenging fire and all credit must go to the crews for their swift arrival and in getting the fire under control and extinguished so that it did not spread throughout the property.

"Very sadly, a body was discovered and our sympathies go out to family and friends at this difficult time."

  • Anyone with information is asked to contact police on 101 quoting log 2 of 1/2/18 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.