MIDDLESBROUGH — A 23-year-old man has been charged with murder after a house fire in which a woman and her seven-year-old niece died in the early hours of 26 August.
Natalie McDonald, 34, died in the blaze in Grangetown, near Middlesbrough, along with Valentina Foster, Cleveland Police said.
Jaden Wright has also been charged with multiple grievous bodily harm offences. He will appear at Teesside Magistrates’ Court later.
Police and prosecutors say the case is now before the courts, and officers have asked the public not to share anything that could affect proceedings.
Charges brought after complex joint investigation
Cleveland Police said Wright, who has no fixed address, faces two counts of murder as well as the additional grievous bodily harm allegations.
Senior investigating officer Katie Smith, of Northumbria Police, described the incident as truly tragic and said her thoughts remained with the families of everyone involved.
She also thanked local residents for their support and patience during what police described as a complex investigation.
Anyone with information about the fire has been asked to contact Cleveland Police.
Victims named after fatal blaze in Grangetown
The two people who died in the fire have been named as Natalie McDonald, 34, and Valentina Foster, aged seven.
Police have not given further details about how the fire started or the circumstances that led to the deaths.
The incident took place in Grangetown, an area on the edge of Middlesbrough, and emergency services responded in the early hours of the morning.
As the criminal case moves forward, investigators and prosecutors have urged caution over any online speculation or commentary.
CPS says there is enough evidence for court
Katie Nicolson, from Crown Prosecution Service North East, said prosecutors had worked closely with Cleveland Police to decide there was sufficient evidence to bring the case before a court.
She said Wright is entitled to a fair trial and warned that reporting, discussion or sharing information could prejudice the proceedings.
That warning is standard while active criminal cases are before the courts, where jurors must decide the facts on the evidence presented.
The police appeal for information remains open for anyone who may be able to help with the investigation.
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