Man charged after fire in which woman and girl died

A 23‑year‑old man has been charged after a fire that claimed the lives of a woman and a young girl in Grangetown, adjoining Middlesbrough. Natalie McDonald, 34, was pronounced dead in the early hours of Wednesday, and her niece, Valentina Foster, aged seven, also died in the blaze. According to Cleveland Police, the suspect faces two counts of murder, two counts of section 18 grievous bodily harm with intent, and two counts of attempted section 18 grievous bodily harm with intent. He is due to appear at Teesside Magistrates’ Court early on Tuesday. Senior Investigating Officer Katie Smith of Northumbria Police said, “This has been a genuinely tragic incident, and my thoughts stay with the families of each those involved.” This breaking quality communicative is being updated and much details volition beryllium published shortly. Please refresh the leafage for the fullest version. You tin person Breaking News connected a smartphone oregon tablet via the BBC News App. You tin besides travel @BBCBreaking connected X to get the latest alerts.