Murder probe launched after two killed and four injured in house fire

Police have launched a murder investigation after two people died in a house fire near Middlesbrough.

Four other people were injured in the incident on Birchington Avenue, Grangetown, on Wednesday morning. The blaze happened about two miles from the scene of a crash on Sunday that killed seven people, including two police officers. Cleveland Police said they “cannot rule out any links to wider organised crime at this time”. Officers were called to the street just before 5.30am on Wednesday, with two people later confirmed dead. A woman remains in the Royal Victoria Infirmary in Newcastle in a critical condition, and a further three people suffered non-life-threatening injuries. They are currently receiving treatment in hospital.

Published: 26/08/2026 by Radio NewsHub