A MAN has been charged with murder after a seven-year-old girl and her aunt were killed in a house fire in Middlesbrough.
Young Valentina Foster and Natalie McDonald, 34, tragically died in the blaze at 5.23am on Wednesday.
Young Valentina Foster and Natalie McDonald, 34, tragically died in the blaze Credit: Facebook
Cops have now confirmed a man has been charged
Valentina had tragically begged relatives to let her spend the night to help celebrate Natalie’s daughter’s 15th birthday.
Her distraught gran Valerie Foster, seen hugging the youngster in a family photo, said: “Life is so cruel. My beautiful granddaughter, Valentina.”
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A 23-year-old man has been charged with two counts of murder, two counts of Section 18 GBH with intent, and two counts of attempted section 18 GBH with intent.
He will appear at Teesside Magistrates’ Court today.
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Senior Investigating Officer, Katie Smith from Northumbria Police, said: “This has been a truly tragic incident, and my thoughts remain with the families of all those involved.
“I would like to thank local residents for their support and patience during this complex investigation.
Tributes poured in for little Valentina Credit: Facebook
The seven-year-old was on a sleepover at the time
“Anyone who may still have information, or has any concerns, can still submit Information using the Major Incident Public Portal.”
Katie Nicolson, Chief Crown Prosecutor for CPS North East, added: “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.”
Detectives are not linking the blaze to the crash on the A66 last weekend, Cleveland Police have said.
Seven people, including two police officers, were killed in the horror – sparking a wave of violence in Middlesbrough.
The house fire is not being linked to the A66 crash, cops said Credit: NNP
Seven people, including two police officers, were killed in the horror A66 smash Credit: NNP
Assistant Chief Constable Dave Sutherland said previously: “Since the tragic incident last Saturday morning in which seven people sadly lost their lives… officers and staff have remained working around the clock to continue to serve the public of Cleveland.
“In the same week, we have also seen a tragic house fire on Wednesday in which two people lost their lives, which is also understandably impacting the force and our local communities.
“At this time, we are not linking this incident to the fatal collision on the A66.
“Our thoughts remain with all those affected by these incidents as we continue our investigations into what happened.”
A woman, 48 was pulled from the fire and taken to hospital in Newcastle upon Tyne in a critical condition.
Three others were hurt, including one who jumped from an upstairs window.
Their injuries are not said to be life-threatening.
Aerial images showed the house’s charred roof beams and blackened windows as cops fought to contain the street violence.
Witness Ellie, 20, who declined to give her surname, said: “I could hear kids screaming and was shouting for people to help. The house was scorching.
“I couldn’t get near the front it was that hot. Two kids got out from upstairs.”
Ellie stayed with the woman who leapt to safety from upstairs.
She added: “She was crying, in pain and in a bad way.”
Another witness who did not wish to be named said: “I saw the girl being carried by a firefighter.”
The families of those involved are being supported by family liaison officers.
On Wednesday, Valentina’s uncle Dean Foster wrote: “Such a beautiful baby girl. Life can be so cruel.”
Relative Sarah Harland-Foster added: “Why, why, why? All I keep telling myself.
“My heart’s absolutely torn to bits. Back in the arms of your dad my beautiful girl.”
Billie-Jo Foster said: “Aw my Valentina. How? Why you? You’re just a baby.”
Meanwhile, Natalie’s mum Lisa Kirton told the BBC that Valentina, known as Tina, had been staying with the family over the school holidays.
She said Natalie “had a heart of gold who would give anyone anything. We’re still in the hospital with the daughter. “
The 15-year-old and her friend “kicked out a window” and jumped to safety, Lisa said.
She continued: “Her father died two years ago so this child is not in a good way.”
Speaking to The Times, Lisa added: “Natalie’s husband is in intensive care and has been put in an induced coma.
“There is speculation that the fire was caused on purpose but I don’t really know much about what happened.”
