A WOMAN has died at a house fire in her North-East home.

Firefighters were called to the Seaburn Dene area of Sunderland at around midday on Monday.

Crews from three fire engines used hose reels and breathing apparatus to tackle the fire when they entered the property.

A 77-year-old woman was discovered in the living room.

She was treated by North East Ambulance Service at the scene and conveyed by air ambulance to the Royal Victoria Hospital but died later in the afternoon.

Area Manager Keith Carruthers of Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service, said: “Our thoughts and sympathies go out to this lady’s family and friends at this very sad time.

“I would encourage every household to have a working smoke alarm and to get them fitted on every level and they should be checked regularly.

“If you have elderly relatives, check they have working smoke alarms and if they don’t, contact your nearest fire station to arrange a free home safety check.

"Find out if they have a safe night time routine where they switch off appliances, close doors and make sure they don’t smoke in bed.

"Having an easy checklist could make them much safer in their own homes.” 

Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service and Northumbria Police are carrying out an investigation into the cause of the fire.