Family pays tribute to girl killed in Grangetown house fire

The family of seven-year-old Valentina Foster has paid tribute to their "beloved daughter" after she was killed in a house fire in Grangetown, near Middlesbrough. The blaze, which occurred in the early hours of Wednesday, August 26, also claimed the life of Valentina's aunt, Natalie McDonald, 34. A man has been charged with murder in connection with the incident. Valentina was formally identified following the fire at a property on Birchington Avenue. In a statement released by Cleveland Police on September 1, her family said, "It is with overwhelming sadness that we share the heartbreaking news that our beloved daughter has passed away. She was deeply loved and will be missed beyond words by her family, friends, and everyone whose life she touched. Our lives have changed forever, and we are struggling to come to terms with this devastating loss." The family added that she would be "forever missed by her brothers and sisters." Four other people were injured in the fire. Cleveland Police confirmed that a man and a woman remain in hospital receiving treatment.