Five arrested after house fire in Bideford
Police say one person remains unaccounted for
Last updated 30th Oct 2025
Five people have been arrested after a property fire in Bideford on Tuesday (28 October).
Emergency services were called at around 8.30pm following a report of a fire in Honestone Street and an arson investigation was launched.
Police say one person remains unaccounted for following the fire, and next of kin have been made aware.
Five people have been arrested in connection to the fire, and a scene guard remains in place with a number of residents evacuated from their homes.
Police say some residents are likely to remain evacuated for a period of time. Steps are being taken to ensure their needs are met and that they can return to their homes as soon as possible.
Officers are continuing to investigate the circumstances around the fire.
DCI Sam Smoothy said: “We would like to thank local residents and the Bideford public for their patience and understanding as our officers continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the fire.
“One person remains unaccounted for at this time with next of kin being made aware.
“Incidents of this nature are shocking for any community. We are working closely with the fire service and local authority to ensure displaced residents are housed and looked after over the coming days.
“There will be a heightened police presence in the area, and we would ask that anyone with any information approach our officers, contact us online or call 101.”