An inquest into the deaths of a seven-year-old girl and her aunt, who perished in a house fire in Grangetown, heard that members of the public had tried to rescue them before emergency services arrived. Valentina Foster and Natalie McDonald, 34, died as a result of the effects of fire following a blaze on Birchington Avenue, near Middlesbrough, on August 26. Teesside coroner Paul Appleton opened brief, separate inquests into their deaths and paused further hearings, stating that criminal proceedings for murder had already begun. The coroner said the Cleveland Fire Brigade was called to the address after reports suggested people were trapped inside the house. Before emergency services arrived, members of the public made attempts to rescue those inside. Valentina was recovered from the property and later pronounced dead at James Cook University Hospital. A post-mortem examination confirmed that her death was caused by the effects of fire. Her mother identified her body at the inquest, which was attended by family members. Natalie McDonald, who died at the scene, was also found to have died from the effects of fire. The coroner stated that her body was identified using dental records and a tattoo. Meanwhile, Jaden Wright, 23, has appeared at Teesside Crown Court charged with two counts of murder, as well as offenses related to other people injured in the fire. In a statement released by Cleveland Police, Natalie McDonald’s family described her as a beloved member of the community. They said she had recently married and had a beautiful wedding, and that she was "bright, bubbly and full of life." They expressed deep sorrow at her loss, calling her "the heart and soul of our street and community." Valentina’s family also shared their grief, saying they are "overwhelmed with sadness" at the loss of their "beloved daughter," who was "deeply loved and will be missed beyond words."