Murder inquiry underway after two die in Teesside house fire
Police say they're not ruling out links to organised crime
Last updated 26th Aug 2026
A murder investigation is underway near Middlesbrough following the death of two people in a house fire on Wednesday morning.
Four other people have been injured - One woman is in a critical condition in the Royal Victoria Infirmary in Newcastle while three others have suffered non life-threatening injuries.
Emergency services were first called to the scene at 5:23am.
The families of the two who died have been informed.
The investigation is being led by Cleveland Police.
It comes less than a week and just two miles from the scene of a crash on Saturday that killed seven people, including two police officers.
Cleveland Police are not ruling out a link between the two incidents, and said they “cannot rule out any links to wider organised crime at this time”.
Superintendent Emily Harrison, the Redcar and Cleveland Local Policing Commander, stated that the situation is being assessed.
“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.”
Redcar MP Anna Turley told us: "Our thoughts remain with everyone affected by this devastating incident, and we would ask that people give Cleveland Police and the emergency services the space they need as the investigation continues."
Anyone who may have information, or any concerns, is asked to contact Cleveland Police on 101, quoting reference number 170941.