Man charged with murder after deadly fire in Cowes
Suspect to appear in Southampton Magistrates’ Court
A man has been charged with murder following a devastating fire in Cowes, where a 24-year-old man named Lucas Scutt tragically lost his life.
Emergency services, including the police, Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Service, and Isle of Wight Ambulance, were called to the fire, which broke out at an address on Ronsons Close, Cowes, at 3:32am on 26th June.
As investigations continued, 24-year-old Liam Matthews of Spinnaker Road, Cowes, has been charged with murder, arson with the intent to endanger life, and failure to comply with a Section 49 notice to disclose the key to protected information. Matthews is due to appear in Southampton Magistrates' Court on 11th July.
During the investigation, several individuals faced arrest. A second 24-year-old man from Cowes who was detained on suspicion of murder and arson with the intent to endanger life has been released from bail, with no further action to be taken against him.
Similarly, a 59-year-old man from Cowes who was arrested under the same suspicions has been released from bail with no further action.
Meanwhile, a 28-year-old man from Ventnor, initially arrested on suspicion of murder, arson with the intent to endanger life, and possession of an offensive weapon in a public place, remains on bail with conditions until 27th September. This extension allows for additional inquiries to be conducted.
The investigation of the fatal fire at Cowes remains active as authorities continue to piece together the full circumstances surrounding the incident.