Police have launched a murder investigation after two people died in a house fire near Middlesbrough, Cleveland Police have confirmed.
Two people died in a blaze at a property in Grangetown, with four others taken to James Cook University Hospital for treatment.
Seven fire engines were called to Birchington Avenue and Leighton Road, which are closed, just before 6am while crews dealt with the incident with aid from Cleveland Police.
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.”
Police said the scene has yet to be fully examined, but that one woman remains in the Royal Victoria Infirmary in a critical condition, and a further three people have suffered non-life-threatening injuries.
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.
Two people died in a blaze at a property in Grangetown, with four others taken to James Cook University Hospital for treatment | PA