Police release one of two men arrested over fatal house fire

Police have released a 31-year-old man arrested on suspicion of murder following a fatal house fire in Grangetown, near Middlesbrough, while a second suspect, aged 23, remains in custody as investigations continue.

The fire, which broke out in the early hours of Wednesday, resulted in the deaths of Natalie McDonald, 34, and her seven-year-old niece Valentina Foster, known as Tina. Cleveland Police confirmed a 48-year-old woman was hospitalized in critical condition, while three others sustained non-life-threatening injuries. Authorities have not disclosed further details about the victims or their conditions.

Natalie McDonald’s mother, Lisa Kirton, described her as “a beautiful soul, who would have done anything for anybody.” Valentina, who was visiting for the summer holidays, had reportedly been dancing in the living room the night before the tragedy. Kirton expressed disbelief at the loss, calling it “a disgrace” that such a young life had been taken.

Cleveland Police Assistant Chief Constable Dave Sutherland stated that the fire was not being linked to a separate crash on the A66, which claimed seven lives, including two police officers. The force emphasized that inquiries are ongoing and declined to provide additional information about the suspects or the nature of the investigation.

Residents in the Grangetown area have expressed shock over the incident. Local support services have been made available to those affected, though Cleveland Police have not yet detailed specific community outreach efforts.

For updates on the investigation, follow Cleveland Police and BBC Tees on social media platforms, including X (formerly Twitter), Facebook, Nextdoor, and Instagram. Additional coverage and updates can also be found on BBC Sounds via Radio Tees.

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