Five Teenagers Arrested in Devon House Fire Murder Probe

Emergency services were called to a two‑storey terraced house on Honestone Street in Bideford, North Devon, after a blaze around 8.30pm on Tuesday, Oct. 28, that destroyed homes and forced dozens of residents to evacuate. Police initially treated the fire as suspected arson but have escalated the probe to a major murder investigation after one man remains unaccounted for and his next of kin were informed. Four boys and a girl, all aged under 18 and from north Devon, were arrested on suspicion of arson with intent to endanger life and remain in custody; a man in his 30s who was earlier arrested has been released on police bail. A scene guard and a heightened police presence remain as investigators and the fire service continue to comb through the wreckage, and local authorities are arranging temporary housing for displaced residents. Detective Inspector Chris Lithgow said murder is one hypothesis being examined and urged anyone with information to contact officers.