Man charged with murder over fatal house fire near Middlesbrough

A man has been charged with murder over a house fire which killed a young girl and her aunt.

Natalie McDonald, 34, and her niece Valentina Foster, seven, died in the blaze in Birchington Avenue, Grangetown, near Middlesbrough, on the morning of 26 August. Four other people were injured.

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.

He is scheduled to 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."

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Katie Nicolson, chief crown prosecutor for CPS North East, urged people to remember that legal proceedings are active and that the man has the right to a fair trial.

She added: "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 with the case was released without charge on Sunday.

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