A woman died at the scene of the early-morning fire (Picture: NCJ Media)

A man and woman have died after a major house blaze in Darlington, County Durham.

The fire service was called to the home on Woodland Terrace in the town at around 4.45am on Saturday.

A woman was pronounced dead at the scene, while a man was rescued and taken to hospital due to the extent of his injuries.

However, County Durham and Darlington Fire and Rescue Service said he also died later on Saturday.

The identities of the two people have not yet been confirmed.

A spokesperson for the fire service said: ‘On Saturday May 13, 2023 at 4.43am, County Durham and Darlington Fire and Rescue Service responded to reports of a house fire at Woodland Terrace Darlington.

‘Five appliances from Darlington, Bishop Auckland, Newton Aycliffe and Spennymoor attended the incident, along with colleagues from Durham Police and the North East Ambulance Service.

‘On arrival, crews were met by a fully developed fire on the ground and first floor of the property.

‘Firefighters, wearing breathing apparatus entered the property and proceeded to conduct a search and extinguish the fire using hose reels.’

Flowers were laid at the scene of the blaze (Picture: NCJ Media)

They added: ‘One male occupant was rescued from the property by fire service personnel and taken to hospital due to his injuries.

‘Unfortunately one female occupant was sadly pronounced dead at the scene.

‘Later that day, the male occupant who was rescued sadly passed away also.

‘Our thoughts are with the families and friends of those affected by this tragic incident.’

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The man who was rescued later died of his injuries in hospital.