A MAN believed to be in his 50s has died in a house fire which took place in the early hours of yesterday morning. 

The man, who has not yet been named by police, was reportedly pronounced dead at the scene of a house fire on Pallister Avenue in Middlesbrough.

At around 1.30am on Wednesday (November 20), the emergency services were called to reports of a house ablaze.

Eyewitnesses described seeing three fire engines, two ambulances and several police officers at the scene of the incident. 

'Fire in control within ten minutes'

Matt Bland, who witnessed the fire, told The Northern Echo: "There were three fire engines, two ambulances and several police officers on scene.

"The fire brigade got the house fire under control and within ten minutes and retrieved a man from house shortly after."

Mr Bland said he witnessed the efforts of the emergency services as they dealt with the man.

A spokesperson for Cleveland Police said: "A man believed to be aged in his fifties was brought out from the address by fire officers and was sadly pronounced dead.

"Our thoughts are with his family and friends at this difficult time."

The North East Ambulance Service confirmed that two ambulances and a clinical manager were sent to the scene after recieving an inital report just before 1.30am. 

'An investigation will be carried out'

A spokesperson for Cleveland Fire Brigade, confirming an investigation into the fire would now take place, said: "Crews from Grangetown and Middlesbrough were mobilised at 1:22am and were in attendance at the scene at 01:28am.

"Four Breathing Apparatus wearers entered the property to extinguish the blaze and rescued one casualty, who was confirmed deceased by paramedics.

"An investigation will be carried out to establish the cause of the fire, and our thoughts and condolences are with the family of the deceased."

Cleveland Police said the fire is not being treated as suspicious.

A file will be prepared for the Coroner.