A 23-year-old man has been charged with murder after a house fire in the United Kingdom claimed the lives of a woman and her seven-year-old niece in Grangetown, near Middlesbrough.
Natalie McDonald, 34, and her niece, Valentina Foster, died after the blaze broke out in the early hours of Wednesday.
Cleveland Police said 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 expected to appear before Teesside Magistrates’ Court later on Tuesday.
Senior Investigating Officer Katie Smith of Northumbria Police described the incident as a devastating tragedy.
“This has been a truly tragic incident, and my thoughts remain with the families of all those involved,” she said.
“I would like to thank local residents for their support and patience during this complex investigation.”
Police have appealed to anyone with information or concerns about the incident to come forward through the Major Incident Public Portal.
Katie Nicolson, chief crown prosecutor for CPS North East, said prosecutors had worked with Cleveland Police to determine that there was enough evidence to take the case to court.
“Our prosecutors have worked closely with Cleveland Police to establish that there is sufficient evidence to bring this case to court.
“We remind all concerned that proceedings against the defendant are active and he has the right to a fair trial. It is vital that there should be no reporting, commentary or sharing of information which could in anyway prejudice these proceedings.”
The investigation into the circumstances surrounding the fatal fire is continuing.
