Man charged with murder following fatal house fire in Grangetown

A 23-year-old man has been charged with murder after a house fire last week killed a seven-year-old girl and her aunt, police said.

Officers were called to reports of a blaze at Birchington Avenue in Grangetown, near Middlesbrough, at 5.23am on 26 August. Natalie McDonald, 34, and her niece Valentina Foster died and four other people were injured.

On Tuesday, Cleveland police said a man had been charged with two counts of murder, two counts of grievous bodily harm with intent and two counts of attempted grievous bodily harm with intent. He is scheduled to appear at Teesside magistrates court on Tuesday.

Katie Smith, the senior investigating officer from Northumbria police, said: “This has been a truly tragic incident and my thoughts remain with the families of all those involved. I would like to thank local residents for their support and patience during this complex investigation.

“Anyone who may still have information, or has any concerns, can still submit information using the major incident public portal.”

Katie Nicholson, the chief crown prosecutor for CPS North East, said: “Our prosecutors have worked closely with Cleveland police to establish that there is sufficient evidence to bring this case to court.

“We remind all concerned that proceedings against the defendant are active and he has the right to a fair trial. It is vital that there should be no reporting, commentary or sharing of information which could in anyway prejudice these proceedings.”

A 31-year-old man who was also arrested in connection with the case was released without charge on Sunday.

Police said on Friday that a 48-year-old woman was in the Royal Victoria Infirmary in a “critical but stable” condition and a 27-year-old man was at James Cook university hospital receiving treatment for injuries from the fire.

Two teenage girls were discharged after sustaining non-life-threatening injuries.