Two men have been arrested following a house fire in which two people died. Emergency services, including police and firefighters, were called to Birchington Avenue in Grangetown, Redcar and Cleveland, at 5:23am on Wednesday.
Two people died in the incident, including one child, and a 48-year-old woman remains in a critical condition at the Royal Victoria Infirmary (RVI) in Newcastle. A further three people sustained injuries believed to be non-life-threatening.
Arrests made in murder investigation
Two men, aged 23 and 31, have been arrested on suspicion of murder and remain in police custody. Enquiries are ongoing.
Redcar and Cleveland Local Policing Commander, Superintendent Emily Harrison, said: "As we continue to investigate this morning's tragic incident, we continue to support the families of those who have sadly died as a result. Our thoughts remain with those families and with everyone involved.
"Two men, aged 23 and 31, remain in police custody at this time and they are being questioned. We continue to work 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."
Police appeal for information
Superintendent Harrison added: "We will have a high visibility presence in the Grangetown area and encourage anyone who has concerns, or who may have information, to approach our officers or alternatively call us on 101."
Cleveland Police previously said they had launched a murder investigation following the house fire, and the scene was yet to be fully examined. Those who lost their lives are yet to be formally identified.
