Woman suffers 'life-threatening injuries' in Middlesbrough fire
A woman has suffered 'life-threatening' burn injuries and another man has been hurt after a house fire on Teesside.
Witnesses said they saw a 'man and woman on fire' as emergency services rushed to a home on Acklam Road, in Acklam, Middlesbrough, this afternoon.
The woman was taken to the RVI Hospital in Newcastle-upon-Tyne while the man, who suffered less serious burns, was taken to James Cook University Hospital in Middlesbrough.
Scene of crime officers, police vans and fire engines surrounded the property, which is close to the junction with Trimdon Avenue, and put up a cordon.
One neighbour said: "It’s a really bad incident. We are very, very upset."
A woman who lives nearby said: "I just saw the woman after. The fire had gone out but she was all burnt. Her hair was all burnt, she was sort of in shock.
"I think her husband’s hands were burnt as well."
Cleveland Police said they were called out at 12.40pm.
A spokesperson said: "On arrival, a woman had suffered life-threatening burn injuries and she was taken to James Cook University Hospital and then transferred to the RVI Hospital in Newcastle.
"A man had also suffered serious burn injuries which are not life threatening and he is being treated at James Cook University Hospital.
"Inquiries are currently ongoing to determine the cause of the injuries."
A cordon remains in place.
A spokesman from Coulby Newham fire station said the brigade were called to reports of a fire that was "out on arrival".
Eight firefighters went to the scene from Coulby Newham and Middlesbrough stations.
A North East Ambulance Service spokeswoman said it received a report at 12.50pm of a fire at a private address, and took two people to hospital.
Three double-crewed ambulances were dispatched, along with one crew from the hazardous area response team, which is more skilled in dealing with major trauma incidents, such as a fire.
The house cordoned off is on the opposite side of the road to the nearby Master Cooper pub.