Two remain in hospital after Grangetown house fire

Valentina Foster and Natalie McDonald, 34, died in the blaze on Birchington Avenue in Grangetown on Wednesday (August 26) morning.

Natalie McDonald and Valentina Foster. (Image: UGC)

In an update, police confirmed two people arrested on suspicion of murder remain in custody on Friday (August 28).

A 48-year-old woman left fighting for her life remains in a “critical but stable” at the RVI in Newcastle.

A 27-year-old man remains at James Cook University Hospital where he is receiving treatment.

Meanwhile two teenage girls who suffered non life-threatening injuries have now been discharged following treatment.  

Birchington Avenue remains cordoned off (Image: SUPPLIED)

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

Police said they are not treating the fire as linked to the fatal smash on the A66 which killed seven including two police officers.

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

Redcar and Cleveland Local Policing Commander, Superintendent Emily Harrison, said: “Today we continue to investigate a house fire which has claimed the lives of two people; including one child.

“We understand this will be difficult for the local community and would urge people not to speculate as this can be distressing for the families involved and it can impact upon the ongoing investigation.

“At this time, we are not linking this incident to the fatal collision on the A66.

“Our neighbourhood officers continue to have a high visibility presence in the Grangetown area and we would encourage anyone who has concerns, or who may have information, to approach our officers or alternatively call us on 101.”