AN elderly couple who died in a house fire early yesterday have been named by police.

They were 88-year-old William Volume and his 89-year-old wife of over 60 years, Eileen.

The couple had lived in Carlton village, Stockton, for more than 50 years.

The emergency services were called to their home on Thorpe Road in the early hours of yesterday morning.

Police and fire officers continued investigations today to establish the cause of the blaze and are entered the detached property under the supervision of structural engineers.

Cleveland Police said the fire is continuing to be dealt with as unexplained. However, there is nothing to suggest at this stage that anything untoward has occurred.

Results from post-mortem examinations concluded that the elderly couple died as a result of smoke inhalation.

Acting Detective Chief Inspector Anne-Marie Salwey said: “My thoughts are with William and Eileen’s family members and friends at this difficult time.

"This will be a thorough investigation by officers from Stockton and colleagues at Cleveland Fire Brigade and we are working to establish the cause of the fire as quickly as is possible."

The fire alarm in the house sounded but did not appear to have helped the couple escape, Cleveland Fire Brigade said.

The house was double-glazed which made it harder for smoke and heat to escape the detached property.

About half a dozen bouquets of flowers were left on the pavement by the house earlier today.

One message left with the flowers said: “Together Forever, love, the Hudson Family.” Another said: “Always Together,” and another read: “Be At Peace My Friends.”