A house fire in the Grangetown area of Middlesbrough has killed an aunt and her niece, with the girl's mother left in a critical condition in hospital.
The blaze broke out at a property on Thursday evening. Emergency services were called to the scene and extinguished the fire, but the two victims were pronounced dead at the scene.
Victims and response
The aunt and niece have been named locally as 34-year-old Lisa Marie Smith and her six-year-old niece, Chloe Smith. The girl's mother, 29-year-old Sarah Smith, was rescued and taken to hospital, where she remains in a critical but stable condition.
Police have confirmed that the fire is not being treated as suspicious, and a joint investigation with the fire service is under way to establish the cause.
Community impact
Detective Chief Inspector Mark Edwards said: "This is an absolutely tragic incident that has resulted in the death of two people and left a family devastated. Our thoughts are with the family and friends of those involved at this incredibly difficult time."
Local residents have expressed shock at the incident, with floral tributes being laid near the scene. A cordon remains in place while investigators continue their work.
