Body found in Bideford fire investigation

Three teenagers currently on bail

A body has been recovered following a property fire in Bideford last week.

Emergency services were called to Honestone Street around 8.30pm on Tuesday 28 October.

A man had remained unaccounted for, for a number of days while work involving structural engineers remained ongoing at the scene.

An investigation into the fire resulted in a number of arrests.

Once part of the building was made safe on Sunday, a body was located.

Formal identification has yet to take place but the next of kin of the man who was unaccounted for has been made aware. They are being treated by specially trained officers.

Four boys and a girl aged between 13 and 15, and all from North Devon, were arrested on suspicion of arson with intent to endanger life. They have been released on bail.

A man in his thirties, from Bideford, was previously arrested on suspicion of arson with intent to endanger life and released on police bail.

DI Chris Lithgow from the Major Crime Investigation Team said: “I’d again like to thank the public for their patience, understanding and support during this investigation.

“We’ve been working with other agencies and have been able to reduce the cordon and allow for a significant number of displaced residents to return home.

“The remainder of those evacuated remain displaced due to structural issues. Our thoughts are with the family of the person whose body has been recovered from the property.

“We’d again like to urge the public not to speculate regarding this incident or the identities of those involved as it may risk jeopardising an active investigation.”