By Andy Walker and Joanna Morris

A WOMAN has died following a fire in a bungalow close to the County Durham/North Yorkshire border, police have confirmed.

Crews were called to an address between the villages of Barninham and Newsham, near Richmond, at about 10.30am.

Inspector Ian Sirrell, from North Yorkshire Police, said: "The cause of the fire is being investigated by fire investigators, supported by specially-trained personnel.

"Unfortunately, the elderly resident of the property has died at the scene.

"We are working with colleagues in neighbouring forces to locate and inform family members."

Eyewitnesses described a large emergency services presence around the scene.

A resident of a nearby property, who asked not to be named, told of her shock at her neighbour's death.

She said: "I knew it was bad when I saw all the fire engines go past.

"There was quite a lot of smoke and the fire engines were followed by ambulances.

"That's when I realised something major was happening."

A spokesman for North Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service said the incident was being dealt with by County Durham and Darlington Fire and Rescue Service.

Insp Sirrell added: "While fire and police staff carry out their investigation into the cause of the fire, there is going to be some minor disruption to the road between Barningham and Newsham."