Man, 23, charged after fire in which woman and seven-year-old girl died
A 23-year-old man has been charged with murder following a house fire which killed a seven-year-old girl and her aunt, police have said.
Police were called to a house fire in the Grangetown area, near Middlesbrough, in the early hours of Wednesday (26 August).
Thirty-four-year-old Natalie McDonald died in the blaze alongside her niece Valentina Foster, while four others were injured.
Today (Tuesday 1 September), Cleveland Police said a 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.
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The man is scheduled to appear at Teesside Magistrates’ Court later on today.
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.”
Katie Nicolson, chief crown prosecutor for CPS North East, said: “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 any way prejudice these proceedings.”
A 31-year-old man who was also arrested in connection to the case was released without charge on Sunday (30 August), police have said.
In an update last week, police said a 48-year-old woman was taken to the Royal Victoria Infirmary in a ‘critical but stable’ condition and a 27-year-old man was receiving treatment at James Cook University Hospital.
Two teenage girls were both discharged after suffering non life-threatening injuries.
Claire Reid