Police issue update on Grangetown murder probe arrests

The 31-year-old will face no further action after the blaze in Grangetown, which killed Valentina Foster, seven, and Natalie McDonald, 34,

A second man, 23, remains in custody for questioning.

An investigation into the fire on Birchington Avenue on Wednesday (August 26) morning remains ongoing, Cleveland Police said.

Police stand outside the house on Birchngton Avenue, Grangetown, following the fatal fire (Image: NORTHERN ECHO)

Over the weekend, further tributes, balloons and stuffed animals have been left near the scene of the devastating fire.

A48-year-old woman left fighting for her life remained in a “critical but stable” condition at the RVI in Newcastle, Cleveland Police said on Friday (August 28). The Northern Echo has asked the force for an update.

Andy Burnham has said the Government is offering “all of the support that the authorities need” after a “terribly tragic” Grangetown house fire that killed Natalie, 34, and her niece Valentina, seven (Image: UGC)

Following the tragic incident, tributes, messages and floral arrangements were left near the home on Birchington Avenue.

Pictures of the victims have been left, with messages attached to flowers, cuddly toys and a set of balloons.

Tributes left at the scene of a fatal fire on Birchington Avenue, Grangetown (Image: NORTHERN ECHO)

A 27-year-old man also injured in the fire remains at James Cook University Hospital, where he is receiving treatment.

Two teenage girls who suffered non-life-threatening injuries were discharged following treatment.

The property remains unstable and work to make it safe will be carried out in the coming days.

Police previously confirmed that they are not treating the fire as linked to the fatal crash on the A66 which killed seven, including two police officers, PC Matthew Blades and PC Tom Clough.

Officers initially said they could not rule out a link with wider gang violence breaking out on Teesside after the smash, which also killed five young men in a VW Passat going the wrong way up the A66.