Youth bailed over sisters' deaths

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A teenager who was arrested over the deaths of two sisters in a house fire in Tyneside has been released on bail.

Tatum Spence, 14, and her 12-year-old sister Demi-Jade died from smoke inhalation in the blaze at Lisle Road, South Shields, early on Wednesday.

Their father, John, 37, remains in a critical condition in hospital. Their mother Anita, 37, has been discharged from South Tyneside Hospital.

Police said inquiries were continuing after the 17-year-old male was freed.

Mr Spence suffered serious burns and is being treated at Newcastle's Royal Victoria Infirmary. He has yet to be told of the death of his two daughters.

A joint police and fire service investigation is continuing into the cause of the blaze.

Det Ch Insp Mick Paterson, of Northumbria Police, said: "The whole of the investigation team are touched by the level of sympathy shown by members of the community around Lisle Road and the number of flowers that have been placed outside the house.

"It is this that brings home the focus of the investigation to establish what led up to these deaths.

"Our thoughts go out to the family at this very sad time."