A seven-year-old girl and her aunt tragically died in a house fire in Middlesbrough, with an inquest hearing how members of the public desperately tried to rescue those trapped inside.
Valentina Foster, 7, and Natalie McDonald, 34, died after the blaze broke out at a property in Grangetown, near Middlesbrough, on August 26.
A man has been charged with their murders in connection with the devastating incident.
Inquest Hears How Valentina Was Found
Teesside coroner Paul Appleton opened the inquest into the deaths and revealed that members of the public had attempted to help Valentina and others inside the burning property.
The youngster was eventually recovered from the house and taken to James Cook University Hospital, where she was pronounced dead.
A post-mortem examination found that Valentina died from the effects of the fire.
Her mother attended the hearing and formally identified her daughter.
Natalie, meanwhile, was pronounced dead at the scene. Her identity was confirmed through dental records and a tattoo.
The coroner adjourned the full inquest while criminal proceedings continue.
Man Charged With Two Murders
Jaden Wright, 23, has been charged with two counts of murder, along with two counts of grievous bodily harm with intent and two counts of attempted grievous bodily harm with intent.
The charges relate to six people who were inside the property, including two who cannot be named because of their ages.
Wright is also facing a separate charge of intentional strangulation and has been remanded in custody.
Police have previously said they are not linking the house fire to a wrong-way crash on the A66.
The circumstances surrounding the blaze remain subject to the ongoing criminal investigation.
Family Pays Tribute to Natalie
Natalie’s family described the 34-year-old as a much-loved member of her community and revealed that she had been married for only nine months.
In a statement released through police, they said she had enjoyed “the biggest, most beautiful wedding” and described her as someone who “sparkled like the shining beauty she was.”
They added that Natalie was “bright, bubbly and full of life” and had been “the heart and soul of our street and community.”
“Her family has lost its beautiful, kind soul,” they said.
Valentina Remembered as a Beloved Daughter
Valentina’s family also shared their grief following the death of the young girl.
“It is with overwhelming sadness that we share the heartbreaking news that our beloved daughter has passed away,” they said.
“She was deeply loved and will be missed beyond words by her family, friends and everyone whose life she touched.”
As the criminal investigation continues, the full circumstances of the August 26 fire are yet to be determined. The inquest into Valentina and Natalie’s deaths has been adjourned until the criminal proceedings have concluded.