Two people have been arrested in connection with a fire that killed two in the Grangetown area.
Police were called to a house fire at 5:23am this morning, where two people, including one child died.
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A 48-year-old woman remains in hospital in a critical condition, and a further three people suffered injuries which are believed, at this time, to be non life-threatening.
The two people who have died have yet to be formally identified.
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 and armed units.
A statement from Cleveland Police earlier read: “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 they “cannot rule out any links to wider organised crime at this time”.
The fire happened around two miles from the horror A66 crash, where five young men and two police officers were tragically killed on Saturday morning.
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.”
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