Ashington couple found dead after chip pan fire

Posted by The Journal on Jan 2, 09 12:21 PM in News

A young Ashington couple were found dead in their home following a kitchen fire, just hours after they celebrated New Year's Eve together.

Firefighters were called to the home in Ashington just after 8.30am yesterday, when a neighbour reported smoke.

The scene of the fire on Richardson Street, Ashington

Crews searched the Richardson Street property and found a man and a woman dead in the living room. They had been overcome by smoke.

They were named locally as Cheryl Davies, 39, and her boyfriend Andrew Vaughan, 29.

The couple had come back from celebrations at the nearby Elephant pub, where Miss Davies worked as a chef. It is believed they started to make chips but fell asleep.

Northumberland Fire and Rescue Service said that two smoke alarms were fitted inside the house, but that neither was working.

Fire investigation officer John Arnold said: "Crews tackled the fire in the kitchen and searched the property. They located two fatalities in the living room.

"The property was fitted with two smoke alarms. However, one didn't have a battery and one was not working.

"We believe the couple came home in the early hours of the morning and put the chip pan on. It appears they were overcome by smoke inhalation because the fire was confined to the kitchen and the house was full of smoke.

"This incident is tragic because it could have been prevented and it seems even more tragic because of the time of the year as we celebrate the New Year. My thoughts are with the families."

The couple's two cats were also killed in the fire.

Friends and neighbours in the close-knit community yesterday spoke of their horror and shock at the deaths.

Cynthia Morgan, 61, called the fire service when she noticed smoke in her house.

She said: "I woke up at around 8am and I could smell a bit of smoke. I went downstairs and the living room was filled with it.

"So I called the fire brigade and they came quickly and looked round my house. But there was no fire so they looked next door and saw the windows were black with smoke.

"It is such a tragedy. I am just totally and utterly shocked."

Marie Wood, landlady of the Elephant pub, said: "She was such a lovely girl. She had worked here since August and had made such a difference. Everyone here loved her. I just can't believe what has happened."

A regular at the pub, who didn't want to be named, said: "Everyone loved Cheryl. She was so friendly. None of us can believe what has happened."

Mr Arnold added: "We would urge members of the public to firstly fit smoke alarms and secondly make sure they are working and tested, and batteries are replaced when required."

Northumberland Fire and Rescue service will carry out a free home fire safety check and free smoke alarm fitting. Call (0800) 731-1351.

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