Two men arrested on suspicion of murder following a fatal house fire in Grangetown remain in police custody, as officers continue their investigation. The fire on Birchington Avenue early on Wednesday morning claimed the lives of seven-year-old Valentina Foster and her 34-year-old aunt Natalie McDonald.
Arrests and injuries
The men, aged 23 and 31, were arrested on Wednesday and remain in custody. Four other people were injured in the incident. A 48-year-old woman is in a "critical but stable" condition at the Royal Victoria Infirmary in Newcastle, while a 27-year-old man is being treated at James Cook University Hospital. Two teenage girls suffered non-life-threatening injuries and have been discharged from hospital.
Property unstable and community urged not to speculate
The damaged property remains unstable, with work planned over the coming days to make it safe and allow emergency services full access. Until then, enquiries are ongoing, and people are urged not to speculate. Redcar and Cleveland Local Policing Commander, Superintendent Emily Harrison, said: "Today we continue to investigate a house fire which has claimed the lives of two people; including one child. We understand this will be difficult for the local community and would urge people not to speculate as this can be distressing for the families involved and it can impact upon the ongoing investigation."
No link to A66 collision
Superintendent Harrison added: "At this time, we are not linking this incident to the fatal collision on the A66. Our neighbourhood officers continue to have a high visibility presence in the Grangetown area and we would encourage anyone who has concerns, or who may have information, to approach our officers or alternatively call us on 101." The fire took place days after, and two miles from, the A66 crash that killed Cleveland Police officers PC Matthew Blades and PC Tom Clough, whose patrol car collided with a Volkswagen Passat travelling the wrong way. Those in the Volkswagen – Cole Worthy, 17, Theo Rae, 17, Makai Saddington, 18, and 23-year-olds Michael Robert Cahill and Jakub Matusiak – also died.
Anyone with information is asked to contact Cleveland Police on 101, quoting reference number 170941, or use the Major Incident Public Portal. Crimestoppers can be contacted anonymously on 0800 555 111.
