Neighbours tried saving girl, 7, and her aunt from burning house | News UK

Residents tried to save a girl, seven, and her aunt from a house fire in Grangetown, Middlesbrough.

The deadly blaze engulfed a home on Birchington Avenue, trapping seven-year-old Valentina Foster inside with her aunt Natalie McDonald, 34.

Their cause of death was confirmed during a brief opening of inquest into the tragedy, which has left the Teesside community grieving.

The young girl and her aunt both died from the effects of the fire, coroner Paul Appleton confirmed.

Ms McDonald was described as ‘bright, bubbly and full of life’ and she was newly married.

The coroner also outlined what happened on the morning of Wednesday, August 26, before suspending the hearing due to a separate, ongoing murder case linked to the deaths.

Six people were inside the property when the fire broke out on Wednesday morning, the fire brigade said.

The emergency services received reports that people were believed to be trapped in the property, the coroner said.

Mr Appleton said: ‘Prior to the arrival of the emergency services, members of the public made attempts to rescue people in the property.

‘Very sadly, Valentina was recovered from the property and was subsequently pronounced deceased at the James Cook University Hospital.’

The 34-year-old succumbed to her injuries at the scene.

One resident, who gave her name as Ellie, told the MEN how ‘neighbours came out to help’ after waking up to hearing ‘children screaming.’

Two girls ‘jumped out of the bedroom window,’ while an older woman crying in pain was taken away in an ambulance, she said.

A man and a woman were also injured in the fire and taken to the hospital.

Ms Foster’s body was identified by her mum while Ms McDonald was identified using dental records and a tattoo, the coroner said.

In a statement released by the police, Ms McDonald’s family said she had married her husband Anthony just nine months earlier.

They said: ‘She had the biggest, most beautiful wedding – she sparkled like the shining beauty she was.

‘She was loved by everyone, she was bright, bubbly and full of life, the heart and soul of our street and community, loved by all.

‘Her family has lost its beautiful, kind soul.’

Ms Foster’s family said previously: ‘It is with overwhelming sadness that we share the heartbreaking news that our beloved daughter has passed away.

‘She was deeply loved and will be missed beyond words by her family, friends and everyone whose life she touched.’

Jaden Wright, 23, appeared at Teesside Crown Court charged with two counts of murder, and offences related to the injured victims.

The Grangetown fire happened near the scene of a deadly wrong-way crash some days earlier, which killed five young men and two Cleveland Police officers.

Police confirmed there was no link between the incidents after online speculation.

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