A MAN is in critical condition following a house fire in Newcastle.

Emergency services were called to the terraced property in Wingrove Road, in the Fenham area the city, at around 2.46am.

One man has been taken to the Royal Victoria Hospital in Newcastle in critical condition.

A labrador dog was also rescued by firefighters, but died. 

A Northumbria Police spokesperson said: "Enquiries are ongoing to establish the circumstances that led to the fire."

Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service said it sent 33 firefighters to the scene, with six fire engines and an aerial ladder platform following reports that the house was well alight. 

A spokeswoman for the service said: “It was a three-storey terraced property and the fire was located in the first floor living room which was 75% damaged by fire and heat.

“The second floor was 75% severely damaged by by fire and heat and the ground floor was 100%damaged by smoke.

“The fire was extinguished by two jets and two hose reels as well as a hose reel from the aerial ladder platform."

It is believed the fire started in the ground floor living room.