A 23-year-old man has been charged with murder following a house fire in Grangetown that killed a seven-year-old girl and her aunt.
Emergency services were called to a blaze at Birchington Avenue at 5.23am on August 26. Natalie McDonald, 34, and her niece, Valentina Foster, both died while four others sustained injuries in the 'tragic incident'.
Charges and court appearance
On Tuesday, Cleveland Police confirmed the man has been charged with two counts of murder, two counts of section 18 grievous bodily harm with intent and two counts of attempted section 18 grievous bodily harm with intent. He will appear at Teesside Magistrates' Court later on Tuesday.
Katie Smith, 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."
CPS statement and injuries update
Katie Nicolson, chief crown prosecutor for CPS North East, added: "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, also arrested in connection with the incident, was released without charge on Sunday.
On Friday, police provided an update regarding those hurt in the blaze. A 48-year-old woman remained in a "critical but stable" condition at the Royal Victoria Infirmary, while a 27-year-old man was receiving treatment at James Cook University Hospital. Two teenage girls were discharged having sustained non life-threatening injuries.
