Here’s what we know about the house fire that triggered a complex investigation seven days ago
Damage after fire in Bideford.(Image: Graham Hobbs)
It was exactly a week ago that emergency services were called to the scene of a two-storey house fire in Bideford. What later emerged would be far more horrifying than simply a fire causing damage that can be repaired. A murder investigation was launched, a number of children were arrested and today it has been revealed that a body has been recovered from the property.
The fire on Honestone Street saw a total of 15 fire crews called to the scene, according to Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue. Around 45 people were evacuated, some of whom still haven’t returned.
Here’s what we know one week on.
The police investigation
Devon and Cornwall Police said that five people, aged between 13 and 15 and from North Devon, were arrested on suspicion of arson with intent to endanger life.
The five suspects were confirmed to be four boys and a girl. They have since been released on police bail.
A man in his 30s, from Bideford, was also arrested on suspicion of arson with intent to endanger life but was also released on police bail.
The investigation began as an arson probe but was escalated. Police very quickly revealed that one person was unaccounted for with their next of kin being kept informed of all developments.
What have police said?
A police cordon remained in place last week(Image: Abigail Neep)
When police released information regarding the arrest of the five suspects, DI Chris Lithgow, from the Major Crime Investigation Team, said: “I would again like to reiterate our thanks to local residents – particularly those who have been displaced for their patience and understanding while we continue what is a very challenging investigation.
“Work is ongoing to reduce the cordon and allow for residents to return home as soon as possible when safe to do so. Those residents who remain displaced will continue to be housed and looked after.
“We wish to advise the public that drone flights are prohibited in the vicinity of the ongoing emergency service incident at Honestone Street until further notice. The use of drones in or near the location poses a significant risk to the safety of emergency personnel and could hinder the investigation.
“We would again urge people not to speculate online regarding this incident and remind everyone that proceedings are legally active.”
The force has also advised that any person wishing to operate a drone for legitimate purposes in the vicinity of Honestone Street must contact Devon and Cornwall Police in advance to seek appropriate authorisation. Unauthorised drone flights will be treated as interference with an emergency incident and may result in prosecution, it added.
Anybody who has any information or footage which may help the investigation, or wishes to request drone operation, is asked to call 101 or visit our website quoting log 748 of 28 October.”
Mayor offers thoughts to those affected by fire
Scene of Bideford property fire on Friday, October 31 as police continue complex investigation(Image: DevonLive)
The Mayor of Bideford, Peter Lawrence, offered his thoughts to those affected by the fire and soon after it happened said he hoped the “unaccounted” individual would be found.
Cllr Lawrence said: “We feel for the people who’ve had to leave their houses and unfortunately may not be able to go back for quite some time, our thoughts are with them.
“We hope that the person that’s still missing is missing because they’re somewhere else and not in the building.
“As a town council, our thoughts are with anybody that’s within the town that’s suffered.”
Fundraiser for those affected
Katy Gover (left) was displaced from her home in Bideford. Sharon Lacy (right) is a staff member at the East the Water Food Pantry(Image: Abigail Neep)
Members of the Bideford community created a GoFundMe fundraiser to help those affected by the fire in their time of need. The fundraiser, which was created with a target of £350, was sent to the East the Water Community Food Pantry to distribute accordingly.
Any additional money will go towards helping the wider community. People can still donate here.
Around 45 residents were evacuated from their homes. Several neighbouring properties have been left empty since.
The East The Water Community Food Pantry has been supplying families with food packages, clothing and a safe space to chat. Some of those affected spoke to DevonLive.
One of the organisers, Vanessa Sanderson, said: “So many families and individuals are benefitting from the GoFundme page.
“Each and every person that came was treated with due respect and empathy.
“Well over £1000 of cash has been given out with more being sent.
“We have supplied numerous food packages, clothing, coats, shoes, boots and trainers but most of all a safe and comfortable space for people to talk and connect.
“I’m absolutely emotionally drained and very tearful and humbled that we can help I’m a small way thanks to community kindness.”
Work to rehome displaced residents
Scene of Bideford property fire on Friday, October 31.(Image: DevonLive)
A spokesperson for Torridge District Council said: “Torridge District Council has been working closely with the police and fire service to assist approximately 45 residents who were evacuated from their homes following a house fire on Honestone Street in Bideford on Tuesday evening.
“After receiving the initial call just after 9pm, officers worked through the night to support those affected, securing temporary accommodation in hotels in Bideford and Barnstaple for 30 displaced residents.
“The police remain in control of the scene, and teams from both the police and Torridge District Council remain on-site and in active conversation to coordinate efforts during this ongoing investigation.
“Their shared priority is to support residents and help them return to their properties as soon as it is safe and appropriate to do so.
“Anyone needing assistance while the cordon remains in place can contact the Torridge District Council Homelessness Team on 01237 428700.”
What have those who were displaced said?
Lydia Bennett (right) and her auntie Tammy Bennett (left) are using the food pantry to help Lydia and her 6 year old get back on their feet after the fire(Image: Abigail Neep)
One woman, who was displaced from her home on the night of the fire said she witnessed a man in the window of the blaze.
“”I live five doors down and my son heard a crackling noise outside. I sort of looked up and a gentleman was stood in the window,” she said . “People told him to jump but he didn’t,” she added.
She said that earlier in the evening before the blaze, she saw five children running from the alley where the house is and said the man’s windows had been smashed.
She did not know the individual in the house but said she heard he was a nice person.
Lydia Bennet, 29, said her six year old has been left terrified after being evacuated from their home on Tuesday.
“My 6-year-old is terrified and has been having night terrors. I had to wake him up because the fire was after his bedtime. I could smell smoke coming through the windows and we saw smoke from the fire.
“It’s all just a blur, like a fever dream, you don’t expect it to happen that close to your home,” she said. “It’s heart breaking that innocent people have been affected, I’m a little bit lost.”
Another mum, who asked not to be named, said her son has been left terrified.
“It’s mental, it’s the biggest fire I’ve ever seen. I don’t think anyone would have realised the knock on effect, the chaos is so unsettling,” she said.
“[My son] is petrified, there were alarms going off, police everywhere.”
Confirmation of a death
Despite only publicly confirming it today, Tuesday, November 4, police did recover a body on Sunday, November 2, once the property had been made safe.
Formal identification of the body has yet to take place, but the next of kin of the man who was unaccounted for have been made aware. They are being treated by specially trained officers.
DI Lithgow 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.”