Two people are lucky to be alive after blaze sweeps through their Sunderland home

The pair were in the loft of the house in Porchester Road, Pennywell, Sunderland, when the blaze broke out earlier today.

It's understood the fire started in the garage which then spread to the first floor - trapping the couple.

However, an upstairs window was smashed and they were able to climb out onto the porch's roof and wait for the fire bridge.

Crews from Farringdon and Washington stations attended the fire, which at one point was so fierce they had to withdraw.

A spokesman for Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service said: "At one point the fire was so severe crews did a tactical withdrawal.

"Two occupants were in the loft, a window was smashed and they were able to climb out onto the porch until they were assisted to safety.

"Three other occupants were self rescued. All were uninjured."The cause of the blaze is now under investigation.