Middlesbrough fire live: Two house fire 'murders' may be linked to organised crime

Two people have died following a devastating house fire in Grangetown, Middlesbrough.

A murder investigation has been launched, and police say links to organised crime cannot be ruled out.

Cleveland Police said officers were called to a house on Birchington Avenue at 5:23am, where two people died. A woman remains in the Royal Victoria Infirmary (RVI) in a critical condition, and a further three people have suffered non-life-threatening injuries and are in hospital.

Seven fire engines were called to Birchington Avenue and Leighton Road, which are closed, while crews deal with the incident. Armed officers are at the scene.

The fire occurred about two miles from the A66 crash that killed seven people, including two police officers.

Redcar and Cleveland local policing commander, Superintendent Emily Harrison, said: "This is a tragic incident which has sadly resulted in the deaths of a number of people this morning, and their families are being supported by specially trained officers.

"We are working to establish the circumstances of exactly what has happened, but we are keeping an open mind and cannot rule out any links to wider organised crime at this time.

"We will have a high visibility presence in the Grangetown area as this investigation progresses, and to provide reassurance to local communities, who will no doubt be impacted by this tragic incident.

"We encourage anyone who has concerns, or who may have information regarding the incident in the early hours of this morning, to approach one of our officers or to contact Cleveland Police on 101, or Crimestoppers anonymously."

Cleveland Police have confirmed that a murder investigation has been launched following the house fire in Grangetown this morning.

Two people were confirmed dead at the scene, which is yet to be fully examined, when officers arrived.

A statement from Cleveland Police reads: "The families of those people have been informed, and our thoughts are with them and the families of everyone involved in this incident at this extremely difficult time."

The force added that a woman is in critical condition at the Royal Victoria Infirmary (RVI).

Three other people are also in hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.