The family of a seven-year-old girl who was killed in a house fire said she was “deeply loved and will be missed beyond words”.
The tribute to Valentina Foster came after 23-year-old Jaden Wright appeared in court charged with murdering her and her aunt, Natalie McDonald, 34, who died following a blaze at a property in Grangetown, near Middlesbrough.
Four other people were injured in the fire which happened around 5.30am on Wednesday.
Cleveland Police released the family tribute to Valentina which 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.
“Our daughter will always be in our hearts, and her memory will live with us forever.
“Forever missed by her brothers and sisters.”
Wright appeared before Teesside Magistrates’ Court for a two-minute hearing on Tuesday.
He is charged with two counts of murder, two counts of grievous bodily harm with intent and two counts of attempted grievous bodily harm with intent.
The court heard that he was separately charged with intentional strangling, said to have occurred the day before the fire.
Cleveland Police said a man and a woman remain in hospital receiving treatment for injuries sustained in the house fire.
Two others, who cannot be identified by the media due to their age, were also injured.
Wright briefly greeted his solicitor as he was brought into the dock.
He was remanded in custody to appear before Teesside Crown Court on Thursday.
Wright, with dark hair and wearing a grey T-shirt, was remanded in custody.
After he was charged, Katie Smith, senior investigating officer from Northumbria Police, said:
“This has been a truly tragic incident, and my thoughts remain with the families of all those involved.
“I would like to thank local residents for their support and patience during this complex investigation.
“Anyone who may still have information, or has any concerns, can still submit information using the major incident public portal.”
And Katie Nicholson, chief crown prosecutor for CPS North East, said: “Our prosecutors have worked closely with Cleveland Police to establish that there is sufficient evidence to bring this case to court.
“We remind all concerned that proceedings against the defendant are active and he has the right to a fair trial.
“It is vital that there should be no reporting, commentary or sharing of information which could in anyway prejudice these proceedings.”
A 31-year-old man who was also arrested in connection with the case was released without charge on Sunday.
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