One person unaccounted for and arrests made following Bideford terrace fire

One person remains unaccounted for and five have been arrested following the devastating blaze which tore through a Bideford terraced house on Tuesday evening (October 28).

In an update earlier on Wednesday night, police said five people had been arrested in connection with the fire in Honestone Street that saw fire crews battling throughout the night and around 45 people evacuated from their homes.

Sadly, police reported this evening that one person was still unaccounted for and their next of kin have been informed.

READ NEXT: Bideford rallies around after fire rips through three-storey terraced house

Police said the five arrested are all in police custody at this time.

Above: Anxious Bideford residents watched smoke billow across the town on Tuesday night while the Honestone Street fire continued. Credit: Teresa Tinsley

The fire service attended the blaze just after 8.15pm on Tuesday, along with police and other emergency services – at its height, 15 fire appliances from across Devon and some from Somerset were involved.

The residents from the three-storey terrace along with those from surrounding properties were evacuated, with Torridge District Council working to find temporary accommodation at hotels in Bideford and Barnstaple.

The Royal Hotel at East-the-Water made 11 rooms available for the evacuees.

Above: The area remained closed off throughout Wednesday while investigations were carried out. Credit: Graham Hobbs

In tonight’s statement, police said some residents ‘are likely to remain evacuated for a period of time’ and added: ‘Steps are being taken to ensure their needs are met and that they can return to their homes as soon as possible’.

Above: Forensic teams were on site in Honestone Street the day after the fire. Credit: Graham Hobbs

Detective Chief Inspector 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.”

Above: A police guard has remained at the scene throughout the day. Credit: Graham Hobbs

Police have repeated an appeal for anyone with information or relevant footage relating to the fire to get in touch by calling 101 or via the Devon and Cornwall Police website, quoting log 748 of 28 October.