Murder investigation launched after two people die in house fire near Middlesbrough

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

Cleveland Police said officers were called to a property in the Grangetown area at about 5.20am on Wednesday.

A woman remains in the Royal Victoria Infirmary (RVI) in a critical condition, and a further three people have suffered non-life-threatening injuries and are receiving treatment in hospital.

Investigators are keeping an "open mind and cannot rule out any links to wider organised crime at this time", police said.

A full examination of the scene at Birchington Avenue is still underway.

The blaze occurred about two miles (3km) from the scene of a horror crash on the A66 on Sunday that killed seven people, including two police officers.

Redcar and Cleveland Local Policing Commander, Superintendent Emily Harrison, said: "This is a tragic incident which has sadly resulted in the deaths of a number of people this morning, and their families are being supported by specially trained officers.

"We are working to establish the circumstances of exactly what has happened, but we are keeping an open mind and cannot rule out any links to wider organised crime at this time.

"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."

Pictures from the scene show that the roof of one house has been badly burnt and is partially caving in.

Firefighters were seen damping down the smoking roof of the home later on Wednesday.

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

"The dogs were barking."

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."

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

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Redcar and Cleveland borough councillor for Grangetown Adam Brook said the fire was "absolutely devastating", and urged people not to speculate or "share unconfirmed information".

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

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

He added: "At this stage I don't want to speculate or comment on any information that has not been officially confirmed while the emergency services continue their work."

Cleveland Police said the families of the people involved have been informed and are being supported by specially trained officers.

Officers were maintaining a heavy presence around the scene.

Anyone with information concerning the fire has been urged to contact police or Crimestoppers.

(c) Sky News 2026: Murder investigation launched after two people die in house fire near Middlesbrough