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Bideford House Fire Now a Murder Probe as Five Children Released on Bail

Police say one person remains unaccounted for.

Overview

  • Devon and Cornwall Police escalated the Honestone Street arson inquiry to a murder investigation, calling murder one of several hypotheses under consideration.
  • Four boys and a girl from North Devon, aged 13 to 15, were arrested on suspicion of arson with intent to endanger life and have now been released on police bail.
  • A man in his 30s from Bideford who was previously arrested on suspicion of arson with intent to endanger life remains on police bail.
  • About 45 residents were evacuated as up to 15 fire appliances fought the 28 October blaze, with 30 people placed in temporary accommodation by local authorities and hotels.
  • A scene guard and forensic teams remain at the property, and police are appealing for information or footage quoting log 748 of 28 October.