Body found following Bideford property fire

A body has been found following a property fire which broke out in Bideford last week.

Emergency services were called to the fire in Honestone Street at around 8.30pm on Tuesday 28 October and a investigation into the fire was immediately launched.

For a number of days after the incident, a man was unaccounted for.

In a statement Devon and Cornwall Police have said: "On Sunday 2 November, a body was recovered from the property once part of the building was made safe.

"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, from North Devon, aged between 13 and 15 were arrested on suspicion of arson with intent to endanger life. All five have been released on police bail.

A man in his 30s, 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: “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.”

Fifteen fire crews were sent to the blaze and a number of homes were evacuated. As a result of the blaze, power was also cut off to around 220 homes.

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