A 23-year-old man has been charged with two counts of murder following a house fire in Teesside that killed a seven-year-old girl and her aunt. The charges were confirmed by Cleveland Police on Tuesday, with the man also facing two counts of section 18 grievous bodily harm with intent and two counts of attempted section 18 grievous bodily harm with intent.
Officers were alerted to the blaze at Birchington Avenue in Grangetown at 5.23am on August 26. Natalie McDonald, 34, and her niece, Valentina Foster, seven, both died in the incident, while four other people sustained injuries.
Court appearance and investigation
The man is due to appear at Teesside Magistrates' Court later on Tuesday. A 31-year-old man who was also arrested in connection with the case was released without charge on Sunday.
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."
Prosecution statement and victim conditions
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."
Police provided an update on the condition of those hurt in the blaze on Friday. A 48-year-old woman remained at the Royal Victoria Infirmary in a "critical but stable" condition, while a 27-year-old man was receiving treatment at James Cook University Hospital. Two teenage girls were both discharged after sustaining injuries that were not deemed life-threatening.
