Caravan fire where man found dead inside was not started deliberately

The body of a man was discovered inside the caravan, on a site off Blind Lane, in Houghton, shortly after 10am on Friday, March 6.

An investigation to confirm the cause of the fire, which tore through the caravan in the Grasswell area, was launched and detectives can now confirm there’s not believed to be any third party involvement.

A report will now be made for the coroner and an inquest into the man’s death is expected to be opened in the coming weeks.

Emergency services were called to the fire on the morning of Friday, March 6.

A Northumbria Police spokesperson said: “Shortly after 10am on Friday (March 6) we were alerted by the ambulance service to a fire inside a caravan off Blind Lane, Houghton.

“Emergency services attended the scene and sadly the body of a male was discovered. His next of kin were notified and continue to be given support by specialist family liaison officers.

“A joint investigation was subsequently launched by Tyne and Wear Fire Service and Northumbria Police to ascertain the cause of the fire. Officers are now satisfied that the cause of the fire was not deliberate and there was no third party involvement.

“A report will now be made for the coroner.”

The fire is understood to have taken place at the Showmen’s Guild site.

Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service said the caravan was 100% severely damaged by fire.