Two people have died following a fire at a home in Lowestoft.

Firefighters burst into the burning home in Stanley Street to rescue the two occupants at 1.10am this morning (Monday), after neighbours were awoken by the smell of smoke coming from the property.

The householders were taken to James Paget University Hospital in Gorleston in a very serious condition, however police have now confirmed that they both died in hospital.

Fire crews from Suffolk and Norfolk were called out following reports of a blaze at a terraced house.

With the blaze reported as being in a ground floor room at the back of the property – believed to be the kitchen – firefighters quickly rescued the two casualties, giving them first aid at the scene before paramedics took over.

Suffolk Fire and Rescue area commander Ian Bowell said: “It was quite a severe fire in the ground floor of the premises. After forcing entry through the front door the first crew in found a casualty on the ground floor, then subsequently found a second casualty on the first floor. The casualties were taken to hospital in a serious condition but sadly they both died.”

A police spokesman said: “Formal identification will take place in due course. A police and fire investigation into the cause of the blaze is under way and a cordon is currently in place at the scene.”

Anyone with information about the incident is asked to call Suffolk Police on 101, quoting CAD number 24 of June 26.