Two dead including child in Grangetown house fire, two arrested for murder
Two people, including a child, died in a house fire in Grangetown near Middlesbrough. Two men have been arrested on suspicion of murder.
Murder inquiry opened after fatal house fire kills child and adult in Grangetown
Two people, including a child, died after a house fire broke out in Grangetown, near Middlesbrough, in the early hours of the morning, Google News IE — Crime (en) reports. Two men — aged 23 and 31 — have since been arrested on suspicion of murder and remain in police custody.
The blaze began just before 05:30 BST. A 48-year-old woman was taken to hospital in a critical condition, while three further people sustained non-life threatening injuries. Cleveland Police confirmed the two victims had not yet been formally identified.
The force said it was "keeping an open mind and cannot rule out any links to wider organised crime at this time."
Redcar and Cleveland Local Policing Commander Superintendent Emily Harrison said officers were working to "establish the circumstances of exactly what has happened." She added that a high-visibility police presence would be maintained in the Grangetown area and encouraged anyone with information to approach officers directly.
Patrols in the surrounding area were increased to reassure the local community.
Cleveland Fire Brigade dispatched six fire engines and its Incident Command Unit to the scene. Firefighters damped down the smoking roof of the badly damaged property, with a ladder propped against a rear upstairs window. At 13:30 BST, the brigade confirmed the fire had been fully extinguished, with one engine remaining on proactive standby. Road closures were put in place and the public were asked to avoid the area where possible.
The fire is being jointly investigated by Cleveland Fire Brigade and Cleveland Police.
Ellie, a 20-year-old neighbour who declined to give her surname, described the scene as the blaze took hold. "The entire house was scorching," she said. "I couldn't get near the front of the house, it was that hot." She recounted holding the hand of a woman who had jumped from an upstairs window and staying with her until paramedics arrived.
Another neighbour, who asked not to be named, said: "My daughter heard shouting and screaming this morning. The dogs were barking."
Redcar MP Anna Turley said the community had endured a "profound amount of heartbreak over the past few weeks." She said: "I am devastated to hear of the tragic loss of life following this morning's fire in Grangetown. My deepest condolences are with the families, friends and loved ones of those who have died, and my thoughts are also with those injured and receiving treatment."
Grangetown councillor Adam Brook urged residents to refrain from speculation. "Many residents have been in touch with me throughout the morning, and I know there is understandably a great deal of concern," he said. "However, I would urge people not to speculate or share unconfirmed information."
The families of those involved have been informed and are being supported by specialist officers. Northern Powergrid staff were also present at the scene alongside police guarding the cordon.
The fire occurred approximately two miles from the A66, where a separate crash on Saturday morning claimed the lives of five young men and two police officers.
Source: Google News IE — Crime (en)