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 a critical condition, and a further three people have suffered non-life-threatening injuries and are currently receiving treatment in hospital.
Police said they “cannot rule out any links to wider organised crime at this time” as they continue to investigate the deaths.
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.”
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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