A murder investigation has been launched after two people died in a house fire in Grangetown near Middlesbrough.

Cleveland Police said officers were called to a house on Birchington Avenue at 5.23am on Wednesday, where two people have been confirmed dead. The scene has yet to be fully examined.

A force spokesperson said a woman remains in the Royal Victoria Infirmary (RVI) in Newcastle in a critical condition, and a further three people have suffered non-life-threatening injuries and are currently receiving treatment in hospital.

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” as they continue to investigate the deaths.

Police officers are currently outside a cordon placed by the fire service as firefighters investigate the cause of the house fire.

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 Fire Brigade said they sent six fire engines and the Incident Command Unit to the scene.

A spokesperson said road closures were in place in the surrounding area and asked members of the public to avoid the area where possible.

Redcar & Cleveland borough councillor for Grangetown Adam Brook said the fire was “absolutely devastating”, but urged people not to speculate or “share unconfirmed information”.

He said: “Many residents have been in touch with me throughout the morning, and I know there is understandably a great deal of concern.

“However, I would urge people not to speculate or share unconfirmed information.”

Mr Brook added: “At this stage I don’t want to speculate or comment on any information that has not been officially confirmed while the emergency services continue their work.”

Anyone who may have information, or any concerns, is asked to contact Cleveland Police on 101, quoting reference number 170941.

Crimestoppers can be contacted anonymously online at www.crimestoppers-uk.org or by calling 0800 555 111.

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