Two people have died and a murder investigation has been launched following a “devastating” house fire in the early hours of this morning.
Emergency services were called to a blaze on Birchington Avenue, Grangetown, at 5.23am on August 26 where sadly, two people have been confirmed dead.
The scene has yet to be fully examined.
Emergency services at the scene of a major residential fire on Birchington Avenue, in Grangetown, Middlesbrough
(Image: North News & Pictures Ltd)
A spokesperson from Cleveland Police said: “The families of those people have been informed, and our thoughts are with them and the families of everyone involved in this incident at this extremely difficult time.”
A woman remains in the Royal Victoria Infirmary (RVI) in a critical condition, and a further three people have suffered non-life-threatening injuries who are currently receiving treatment in hospital.
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.
Emergency services at the scene of a major residential fire on Birchington Avenue, in Grangetown, Middlesbrough
(Image: North News & Pictures Ltd)
“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.
“We encourage anyone who has concerns, or who may have information regarding the incident in the early hours of this morning, to approach one of our officers or to contact Cleveland Police on 101, or Crimestoppers anonymously.”
Emergency services at the scene of a major residential fire on Birchington Avenue, in Grangetown, Middlesbrough
(Image: North News & Pictures Ltd)
The upper part of the property on Birchington Avenue has been severely damaged, with the roof badly affected by the fire.
Windows have been blown out, and the house has been left blackened by smoke damage.
Emergency services at the scene of a major residential fire on Birchington Avenue, in Grangetown, Middlesbrough
(Image: North News & Pictures Ltd)
A spokesperson from Cleveland Fire and Rescue Service said: “Cleveland Fire Brigade was called at 5.23am this morning (August 26) to an incident on Birchington Avenue, Grangetown.
“Crews are currently dealing with the incident, with six fire engines and the Incident Command Unit at the scene.
“Road closures are in place in the surrounding area, and we are asking members of the public to avoid the area where possible to allow emergency services to work safely.
Emergency services at the scene of a major residential fire on Birchington Avenue, in Grangetown, Middlesbrough
(Image: North News & Pictures Ltd)
“The incident remains ongoing, and further updates will be provided when available.”
The road remains cordoned off by police as the investigation continues.
A North East Ambulance Service spokesperson said: "We were called to a fire at a private address in Grangetown, Middlesbrough at 5.17am on Wednesday, August 26.
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“We dispatched five ambulance crews, one specialist paramedic, two clinical team leaders, one duty officer, one HART resource (Hazardous Area Response Team). Four patients were taken to James Cook University Hospital for further treatment."
Anyone who may have information, or any concerns, is asked to contact Cleveland Police on 101, quoting reference number 170941.
Crimestoppers can be contacted anonymously online at www.crimestoppers-uk.org or by calling 0800 555 111.