Police praise ‘brave efforts’ of North Yorkshire community who tried to save elderly man who died in house fire

An investigation is now underway into what caused the blaze at the property at Thornton Le Moor, near Northallerton.

North Yorkshire Fire and Rescue alerted North Yorkshire Police to the incident, which is thought to have started in the kitchen, at 3.55pm.

A North Yorkshire Police spokesman said: “Brave efforts by the local community and fire crews to rescue the man proved unsuccessful and he was pronounced dead at the scene by paramedics.

“Fire and police investigators are working to determine the cause of the fire. While nothing suspicious has been found at this time, enquiries will continue to look into the full circumstances surrounding the incident.”

The spokesman said officers were supporting the man’s family during what was a “very distressing time”.

“On behalf of our emergency service colleagues, North Yorkshire Police would like to thank the local community for their bravery and support shown during this tragic loss of life,” he added.