A 23-year-old man has been charged with murder following a house fire in Grangetown that claimed the lives of a seven-year-old girl and her aunt.
Officers responded to reports of a blaze at Birchington Avenue in Grangetown at 5.23am on August 26. Natalie McDonald, 34, and her niece, Valentina Foster, both died as four others sustained injuries in the incident.
Charges and court appearance
Cleveland Police confirmed on Tuesday that the 23-year-old 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."
Prosecution response
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 who was also detained in relation to the incident was freed without any charges on Sunday.
Update on the injured
Officers provided an update regarding those hurt in the fire 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 at James Cook University Hospital undergoing treatment. Two teenage girls were both released from hospital having sustained injuries which were not life-threatening.
