Murder probe launched after two killed in Middlesbrough house blaze as police probe ‘gang-related links'
Cleveland Police said it was "keeping an open mind and cannot rule out any links to wider organised crime"
A murder investigation has been launched after two people have died in a house fire believed to be linked to Saturday's fatal A66 crash.
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Cleveland Police officers were called to the property in Grangetown, Middlesbrough, in the early hours of Wednesday morning.
The force said it was investigating what had happened but was "keeping an open mind and cannot rule out any links to wider organised crime at this time".
A woman remains in the Royal Victoria Infirmary in Newcastle in a critical condition, and a further three people suffered non-life-threatening injuries.
They are currently receiving treatment in hospital.
The fire happened at a property on Birchington Avenue, about two miles from the A66 crash that killed five young men and two police officers in the early hours of Saturday morning.
Read more: Investigations into A66 crash continue as total arrests reach 17
Officers were called to the street just before 5.30am on Wednesday, with two people later confirmed dead.
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.”
It comes after five young men and two police officers were killed when a Volkswagen Passat travelling on the wrong side of the road collided with a police vehicle in Middlesbrough on Saturday.
Cole Robert Worthy and Theo Rae, both 17, Makai Saddington, 18, and 23-year-olds Michael Robert Cahill and Jacob Matusiak were pronounced dead at the scene.
PC Matthew Blades, 37, and PC Tom Clough, 38, of Cleveland Police were also killed in the collision and had been driving in the correct direction.
Cleveland Police have arrested a total of 17 people following the crash - twelve on Monday and a further five on Tuesday.
The offences range from possession of a firearm and making threats to kill to participating in the activities of an organised crime group, according to cops.
On Tuesday, it emerged that a property in a quiet street in Acklam, Middlesbrough, had been rammed, causing extensive damage prior to the police pursuit.
Neighbours said Cole Robert Worthy, 17, sometimes stayed at the address where the front bay window had collapsed, windows were broken and the front door smashed.