Newly-wed aunt killed in fire was 'soul of street'

The family of a woman who was killed in a house fire said she was the "heart and soul of our street and community" and "loved by all".

Natalie McDonald, 34, died alongside her seven-year-old niece Valentina Foster in the blaze at Grangetown, near Middlesbrough, in the early hours of 26 August.

She got married nine months ago where she "sparkled like the shining beauty she was", her family said, and her daughter would "forever miss her mam".

In a tribute, they said: "She was loved by everyone, she was bright, bubbly and full of life. Our Nat will be forever missed."

She was described as a second mother to her nieces and nephews and "such a big part of their lives".

Earlier, Valentina's parents also said their lives had been changed forever by her "devastating loss".

Jaden Wright, 23, appeared at Teesside Crown Court charged with two counts of murder as well as multiple grievous bodily harm offences in connection with the blaze.

Cleveland Police said a man and a woman remained in hospital while two teenage girls were discharged following treatment.

Officers initially said they could not exclude a connection between the fire and organised crime linked to seven deaths, including two police officers, in a crash on the A66.

It since said the cases were not linked.

Follow BBC Tees on X, Facebook, Nextdoor and Instagram and listen to Radio Tees on BBC Sounds.