POLICE have confirmed that a fire that left a 20- year-old man dead was not suspicious.

The man, named as Craig Westhorp, became trapped as the fire gutted the house in Formby Close, Hartlepool, in the early hours of yesterday.

A 40-year-old man and a 17-year-old boy, believed to be the victim’s brother, were treated for smoke inhalation at the University Hospital of Hartlepool after escaping the blaze.

Neighbours said a woman and her young daughter also live in the semi-detached house, but had gone away for the night in their caravan.

More than 20 firefighters tackled the blaze, which was reported by police officers on patrol at about 5am.

People living in nearby houses were evacuated.

The house was cordoned off yesterday as police officers launched the investigation into how the fire started.

Windows, doors and the conservatory were destroyed and the garden fence and three cars parked on the drive were also damaged. There was minor smoke damage to an adjoining house.

Witnesses have spoken of their shock. One neighbour, who asked not to be named, said: “They are a lovely family.

"I often say hello to them. It is such a shock. The house is in an awful state.

“I woke up and rushed out to check they had got the bairns out. They have lived here for quite a while and have done such a lot of work to the house.

“The house is a shell, even the conservatory has completely gone. It is so terrible. I hope I don’t ever see anything like that again.”

Another neighbour said: “I can’t believe what has happened.

I could hear a popping sound coming from the house.

“I have no idea how it started.

I have never seen anything like it before. Police closed off the street and we were all asked to keep away.”

It is believed the house was equipped with smoke alarms.

A police spokesman said: “Police officers on patrol discovered the fire in Formby Close, which is in the Clavering area of Hartlepool, at 5.05am.

“It was reported one person was still trapped inside the address.

Two people had managed to escape to safety and were taken to hospital for the effects of smoke inhalation and were released following treatment. The adjoining house was evacuated.”

Four fire appliances and a hydraulic platform were at the scene and the fire was out by 7.30am.

Police said the identity of the victim will not be released until all relatives have been informed.