A 23-year-old man, Jaden Wright, has denied killing a seven-year-old girl and her aunt in a house fire near Middlesbrough. Valentina Foster and her aunt Natalie McDonald, 34, were found dead in a fire that broke out in Grangetown on 26 August. Two adults and two teenagers were also injured in the incident. Wright appeared in court by video link from prison on Wednesday and pleaded not guilty to two counts of murder at Teesside Crown Court. In addition to the murder charges, Wright denied two counts of grievous bodily harm with intent and two counts of attempted grievous bodily harm with intent. He also denied charges of causing a woman grievous bodily harm and intentional strangulation, which relate to an alleged incident on 25 August, the day before the fire. During the 10-minute hearing, Wright sat behind a desk in the prison, wearing a grey sweatshirt. He was informed that his trial is scheduled for 19 April. Judge Francis Laird KC ordered Wright to remain in custody until a further hearing on 18 December. The court heard that the case involves multiple serious charges, and the trial will determine whether Wright is responsible for the deaths and injuries linked to the fire. The prosecution will need to present evidence to prove the charges beyond a reasonable doubt. The fire in Grangetown has raised concerns in the local community, with many questioning how such a tragic incident could occur. As the trial date approaches, more details about the events leading up to the fire and the alleged actions of Wright are expected to come to light. The case will be closely watched by both the public and legal experts.