AN ELDERLY couple described as “absolutely devoted to each other” died together in a blaze at their home.

Friends and neighbours said the pair, believed to be 88 and 90-years-old, were very much in love, and wonderful neighbours.

The fire at the couple’s detached home in Carlton, near Stockton was well alight when 12 firefighters braved intense heat to break into the property shortly after 5am this morning, (Thursday, April 4).

The couple are believed to have been together in their upstairs bedroom at the time of the fire. One of them showed some signs of life and paramedics attempted resuscitation. However both were declared dead shortly afterwards.

Acting Detective Chief Inspector Anne-Marie Salwey said police are investigating and keeping an open mind, but there was no reason to suspect anything suspicious.

No-one had been able to enter the house to investigate what caused the fire because it was not thought to be safe. 

The fire fighters who entered the property had to be given liquids and were checked over after fighting through intense heat and smoke to try and save the pair.

Steve Walton, Group Manager at Cleveland Fire Brigade, said the fire had been ferocious as it had been burning for some time before the alarm was raised and there was a build-up of toxic gas. Smoke detectors had sounded but did not appear to have alerted the couple.

Joyce Harrison, a friend of the couple, said they had four children and grandchildren, all living elsewhere in the UK.

She said: “They were a marvellous couple. They were devoted to each other and he would look after her. We’re all very, very upset.”

Sid Thompson, who used to be the village policeman and lives directly opposite the home where the fire took place, said he had known the couple for more than 20 years.

“They were a nice, polite couple," he said. "She was ill in later years and didn’t get out, but he would look after her. He was still cycling at 90 and would get on the bus to Stockton market twice a week. He would do anything for her. This has shaken the whole village.”

Linda Thompson, another neighbour, said: “They were the most wonderful, wonderful couple. They loved each other."

Michael Davis, landlord at The Smiths pub, was woken by the fire engines.

He said: “They seemed a truly lovely couple.”