A 31-year-old man arrested on suspicion of murder over a fatal house fire has been released with no further action while a second man, aged 23, continues to be questioned.

Natalie McDonald, 34, died in the blaze in Grangetown, near Middlesbrough, in the early hours of Wednesday, along with her niece Valentina Foster, seven.

Cleveland Police said a 48-year-old woman had been left in a critical condition in hospital and another three people had injuries that were not life-threatening.

The force added enquiries were ongoing.

Natalie’s mother, Lisa Kirton, described her as “a beautiful soul, who would have done anything for anybody”.

Valentina, who was known as Tina, was staying at the house for the summer holidays and had been “dancing around the living room” only the previous night.

“She was a cute little kid,” Kirton said. “I can’t believe it, seven years old – it’s just a disgrace.”

In an update on Friday afternoon, Cleveland Police ACC Dave Sutherland said the force was not currently linking the fire to a crash on the A66, in which seven people died, including two police officers.

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