Chesterfield house fire: Man, 31, and woman, 65, die in blaze at home while another escapes with neighbours evacuated

A 31-YEAR-OLD man and a woman aged 65 have died in a huge blaze at their home - with neighbours evacuated and a probe launched.

Firefighters scrambled to the house in Chesterfield, Derbyshire at 2.44am this morning after a neighbour heard a smoke alarm.

A woman managed to escape from the three-storey terraced house on Staunton Close.

But a 65-year-old woman and a 31-year-old man were sadly pronounced dead at the scene.

A number of neighbouring properties were evacuated as a safety precaution and residents are staying with family and friends.

A joint police and fire investigation is probing the cause of the fire.

Anyone with information is asked to contact police quoting incident number 141 of 7 April.

Derbyshire Fire & Rescue's Nathan Stevens said: "Early this morning fire crews attended a house fire where sadly two people have lost their lives.

"Crews from Chesterfield, Clay Cross, Staveley, and Dronfield attended the fire.

"On arrival at the scene firefighters rapidly deployed into the property to search and locate the occupants.

Group Manager Stevens said: "Other crews tackled the fire from outside.

"One occupant had managed to escape but tragically two adults have now been confirmed deceased.

"The thoughts of everyone at Derbyshire Fire & Rescue Service are with the deceased, their family and friends at this distressing time."