A 31-year-old man arrested on suspicion of murder following a fatal house fire in Grangetown has been released without charge, police have confirmed. A second man, aged 23, who was also arrested on suspicion of murder, remains in police custody.
Valentina Foster, seven, and her aunt Natalie McDonald, 34, died in the fire that swept through a house on Birchington Avenue in Grangetown, Redcar & Cleveland, on Wednesday. Emergency services, including seven fire engines, attended the scene and surrounding roads were cordoned off.
Arrests and release
Cleveland Police launched a murder investigation and arrested the 31-year-old and the 23-year-old on suspicion of murder the same day. They had remained in custody since.
On Sunday, the force confirmed the 31-year-old had been released without charge, while the 23-year-old continues to be questioned in connection with the murder investigation.
In a statement, Cleveland Police said: "A 23-year-old man continues to be questioned in connection with a murder investigation following a house fire in the Grangetown area on Wednesday 26th August, in which two people sadly died. A 31-year-old man has now been released with no further charge. Enquiries are ongoing."
Injuries and ongoing enquiries
Four other people were injured in the fire, which ravaged the property. A 48-year-old woman is fighting for her life in Newcastle's Royal Victoria Infirmary, and a 27-year-old man is receiving treatment at James Cook University Hospital in Middlesbrough.
Two teenage girls, who suffered non-life-threatening injuries, have been discharged by medics. The property remains unstable, and work is being carried out on the building to make it safe, allowing emergency services full and safe access to the premises.
On Friday, a forensic officer in a white suit and mask was accompanied by a fire officer on an aerial platform to view the property from above. Enquiries are ongoing in relation to the incident, and people are being urged not to speculate.
