Brave members of public tried to rescue 'murdered' seven-year-old girl and her aunt, 34, from house fire in Middlesbrough, inquest hears

See more Daily Mail on Google - save us as a Preferred Source Published: 05:58 EDT, 8 September 2026 | Updated: 06:42 EDT, 8 September 2026 A seven-year-old girl and her aunt were allegedly murdered in a house fire despite brave members of the public attempting to pull them from the flames, an inquest has heard.Valentina Foster and her aunt Natalie McDonald, 34, were killed in the blaze in Middlesbrough in the early hours of August 26.Teesside coroner Paul Appleton said Cleveland Fire Brigade was called to the property after receiving reports that people were believed to be trapped in the house.Mr Appleton said: 'Prior to the arrival of the emergency services, members of the public made attempts to rescue people in the property.'Very sadly, Valentina was recovered from the property and was subsequently pronounced deceased at the James Cook University Hospital.'The coroner held a brief inquest opening into their deaths but suspended further hearing because criminal proceedings for murder have begun.Jaden Wright, 23, has been charged with two counts of murder, two of grievous bodily harm with intent and another two of attempted grievous bodily harm with intent. He will next appear in court on September 23. Valentina Foster, seven, and Natalie McDonald, 34, (pictured together) were pronounced dead after the blaze in Middlesbrough in the early hours of August 26. Jaden Wright, 23, pictured in a court sketch, has since been charged with two counts of murder, two of GBH with intent and another two of attempted GBH with intent Police at the scene of the fatal house fire in MiddlesbroughHe said a post-mortem examination revealed the cause of death was the effects of fire.The court heard schoolgirl Valentina was identified by her mother, who attended the hearing alongside relatives.The same cause of death was given for Ms McDonald, who died at the scene, and was identified from her dental records and a tattoo.Both inquests were adjourned pending the outcome of criminal proceedings against Wright. In a statement via Cleveland Police, Ms McDonald's family said she had been married for just nine months.They said: 'She had the biggest, most beautiful wedding; she sparkled like the shining beauty she was.'She was loved by everyone, she was bright, bubbly and full of life, the heart and soul of our street and community, loved by all.'Valentina's family has previously 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.'