Murder investigation launched after Bideford house fire
In an update police said murder is one of several hypotheses currently being investigated
Last updated 30th Oct 2025
A murder investigation has been launched after a property fire in Bideford.
Emergency Services were called at around 8.30pm on Tuesday 28 October following a report of a fire in Honestone Street.
Devon and Cornwall Police initially launched an arson investigation but say it has now been upgraded to a murder investigation.
Police say one person remains unaccounted for following the fire and his next-of-kin have been made aware.
Four boys and a girl, all from North Devon and under the age of 18, have been arrested on suspicion of arson with intent to endanger life.
They remain in police custody at this time.
A man in his 30s, from Bideford, was previously arrested on suspicion of arson with intent to endanger life and has been released on police bail.
Police say a scene guard is still in place and some residents remain evacuated from their homes but are being houses and supported.
DI Chris Lithgow, from the Major Crime Investigation Team, said: “We are treating this as a murder investigation, as murder is one of several hypotheses currently being investigated by our officers.
“We are working with the local authority to support the displaced residents and hope to enable them to return to their homes as soon as it is safe to do so.
“This is a challenging investigation and we are working tirelessly to establish the circumstances surrounding the fire. One man remains unaccounted for at this time.
“We appreciate this is a worrying time for the local community, but I would like to thank residents for their patience and support.
“We would ask people not to speculate online regarding this incident.
“There will continue to be a heightened police presence in the area and anybody with concerns or information is asked to approach our officers.
“If anybody has any information or footage which may help our investigation, please call 101 or visit our website quoting log 748 of 28 October.”