Middlesbrough murder investigation as two people die in house fire

A murder investigation has been launched after two people died in a house fire.

The blaze in Grangetown, Middlesbrough, broke out just before 05:30 BST and also left a woman in hospital in a critical condition, alongside a further three people who suffered non-life threatening injuries.

Cleveland Police said it was investigating what had happened but was "keeping an open mind and cannot rule out any links to wider organised crime at this time".

The fire happened about two miles from the A66 crash that killed five young men and two police officers on Saturday morning.

Redcar and Cleveland Local Policing Commander Supt Emily Harrison said the force was working to "establish the circumstances of exactly what has happened".

"We will have a high visibility presence in the Grangetown area as this investigation progresses, and to provide reassurance to local communities, who will no doubt be impacted by this tragic incident."

Patrols have been increased in the local area to "reassure the local community", the force said.

Firefighters damped down the smoking roof of the home which has been wrecked by the fire.

A ladder was propped against a rear upstairs window of the family home.

A neighbour, who asked not to be named, said: "My daughter heard shouting and screaming this morning.

The neighbour said a family lived at the house, adding: "I don't know the people who live there, we just say hello when we walk past."

Police officers guarded a cordon around the scene and Northern Powergrid staff were also on site.

Cleveland Fire Brigade said it sent six fire engines and the Incident Command Unit to the scene.

A spokesperson said road closures were in place in the surrounding area and asked members of the public to avoid the area where possible.

Redcar MP Anna Turley said the community had faced 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 people not to speculate.

He said: "Many residents have been in touch with me throughout the morning, and I know there is understandably a great deal of concern.

"However, I would urge people not to speculate or share unconfirmed information."

The families of the people involved have been informed and they are being supported by specialist officers.

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