Cleveland Police have released a 31-year-old man who was arrested on suspicion of murder in connection with a fatal house fire that occurred in Grangetown, near Middlesbrough. A 23-year-old man remains in police custody and is being questioned.
The fire, which broke out in the early hours of Wednesday, claimed the lives of Natalie McDonald, 34, and her seven-year-old niece, Valentina Foster. A 48-year-old woman was transported to the hospital in critical condition following the incident. Three other individuals sustained injuries that are not considered life-threatening.
Authorities are continuing their investigation into the cause and circumstances of the fire.