Members of the public attempted to rescue a seven-year-old girl and her aunt from a house fire in Grangetown, near Middlesbrough, before emergency services arrived, a coroner has heard.

Valentina Foster, aged seven, and her 34-year-old aunt, Natalie McDonald, died as a result of the fire, which occurred on August 26. Cleveland Fire Brigade responded to reports of people trapped inside the home. Despite efforts to save them, Ms. McDonald was found deceased at the scene, while Valentina Foster was transported to hospital where she later died.

Coroner Paul Appleton opened separate inquests into their deaths but suspended further hearings pending ongoing criminal proceedings.

Jaden Wright, 23, has been charged with two counts of murder in connection with the fire, as well as additional charges relating to injuries sustained by other individuals in the blaze. He appeared at Teesside Crown Court following the incident.

Authorities have not disclosed further details about the cause of the fire or the circumstances leading to the deaths and injuries, as investigations continue.