Witnesses have described people jumping from a window to escape a fatal fire in Grangetown, as Cleveland Police investigate the deaths of two people. The blaze broke out in the early hours of Wednesday morning on Birchington Avenue, where a large emergency response remains at the scene.
Neighbour describes escape and rescue
A neighbour said: "The couple who live there have a daughter, and she and her friend jumped out of the window to escape the fire. I woke up at about 5am because of the noise of the fire engines."
"I went out and saw someone being carried out by a firefighter dressed in an orange uniform."
"They are an ordinary family; I do not believe they knew the lads involved in the A66 crash."
Eyewitness account of screams and rescue
Another witness, 20-year-old Ellie, told the Mirror: "I could hear kids screaming and I was shouting for people to come out and help."
"Two of the kids got out from upstairs. I was holding the hand of an older woman. She was in pain and in a bad way. Then they took her away in an ambulance."
Link to A66 crash investigated
The fire follows several arrests in recent days, with suspects allegedly connected to organised criminal networks, relating to the A66 collision that resulted in seven fatalities, occurring just two miles from this location. Those who lost their lives in the collision included two police officers, Pc Matthew Blades and Pc Tom Clough, along with the occupants of a VW Passat — Cole Robert Worthy, 17, Theo Rae, 17, Makai Saddington, 18, and 23-year-olds Michael Robert Cahill and Jakub Matusiak.
The VW Passat, which was travelling in the wrong direction on the A66, hit the officers' patrol car, which was travelling in the right direction, according to the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC).
A GoFundMe fundraiser established in honour of the two officers has so far raised £982,752, while floral tributes continue to be placed outside Cleveland Police headquarters in Middlesbrough. Flowers have also been laid at the scene for the five occupants of the VW, with vigils taking place in their memory.
Police statement and appeal
Redcar and Cleveland Local Policing Commander, Superintendent Emily Harrison, said: "This is a tragic incident which has sadly resulted in the deaths of a number of people this morning, and their families are being supported by specially trained officers."
"We are working to establish the circumstances of exactly what has happened, but we are keeping an open mind and cannot rule out any links to wider organised crime at this time. We will have a high visibility presence in the Grangetown area as this investigation progresses, and to provide reassurance to local communities, who will no doubt be impacted by this tragic incident."
"We encourage anyone who has concerns, or who may have information regarding the incident in the early hours of this morning, to approach one of our officers or to contact Cleveland Police on 101, quoting reference number 170941, or Crimestoppers anonymously, either online, or by calling 0800 555 1111."
