Police investigating a fatal house fire in the Grangetown area of Middlesbrough have stated they "cannot rule out links to organised crime". Two people lost their lives and four others were taken to hospital following a blaze in Birchington Avenue, which broke out just after 5am this morning (August 26).
Victims and response
Cleveland Police confirmed that a woman was transferred to the Royal Victoria Infirmary in a critical condition, while a further three people are receiving treatment for injuries not considered life-threatening.
Seven fire engines were dispatched to tackle the blaze this morning, with both Birchington Avenue and Leighton Road cordoned off. Armed officers were also deployed to the scene.
The property sustained extensive damage as a result of the fire, with the roof severely affected, alongside smoke damage and shattered windows. Officers have since confirmed that a murder investigation has been launched, according to the Mirror.
Police statement
Redcar and Cleveland Local Policing Commander, Superintendent Emily Harrison, said: "This is a tragic incident which has sadly resulted in the deaths of a number of people this morning, and their families are being supported by specially trained officers."
"We are working 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. We will have a high visibility presence in the Grangetown area as this investigation progresses, and to provide reassurance to local communities, who will no doubt be impacted by this tragic incident."
"We encourage anyone who has concerns, or who may have information regarding the incident in the early hours of this morning, to approach one of our officers or to contact Cleveland Police on 101, quoting reference number 170941, or Crimestoppers anonymously, either online, or by calling 0800 555 1111."
Emergency services at the scene
A spokesperson for Cleveland Fire Brigade confirmed: "Cleveland Fire Brigade was called at 05:23 this morning (26 August) to an incident on Birchington Avenue, Grangetown. Crews are currently dealing with a house fire, with six fire engines and the Incident Command Unit at the scene."
"Road closures are in place in the surrounding area, and we are asking members of the public to avoid the area where possible to allow emergency services to work safely. The incident remains ongoing, and further updates will be provided when available."
A representative from North East Ambulance Service also stated: "We were called to a fire at a private address in Grangetown, Middlesbrough at 5:17am on Wednesday 26 August."
"We dispatched five ambulance crews, one specialist paramedic, two clinical team leaders, one duty officer, one HART resource (Hazardous Area Response Team). Four patients were taken to James Cook University Hospital for further treatment."
Context of recent events
The Grangetown murder investigation follows just days after several individuals were arrested in connection with the nearby A66 crash that claimed the lives of seven people. Police confirmed the arrests were carried out as part of their ongoing crackdown on serious and organised crime, according to Teesside Live.
The devastating A66 collision took the lives of two officers, Pc Matthew Blades and Pc Tom Clough, as well as the occupants of a VW Passat — Cole Robert Worthy, 17, Theo Rae, 17, Makai Saddington, 18, and 23-year-olds Michael Robert Cahill and Jakub Matusiak.
The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) stated that the VW Passat had been travelling in the wrong direction along the A66 when it collided head-on with the officers' patrol car, which was travelling in the correct direction.
