Adult Bideford fire suspect is to face no further action, police say

A man arrested following the terrible fire at a Bideford terrace will face no further action, Devon and Cornwall Police have said.

The fire at a three-storey terrace in Honestone Street on Tuesday, October 28 claimed one life, with a body recovered several days later.

A Bideford man in his 30s was arrested on suspicion of arson with intent to endanger life soon after the fire and was released on police bail.

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Police have said today (Monday, November 24) that following extensive investigation, he will face no further action.

Above: Smoke billowed across Bideford as the Honestone Street fire raged on the night of October 28. Credit: Graham Hobbs 

Five teenagers, four boys and a girl aged between 13 and 15, were also arrested on suspicion of arson with intent to endanger life and they remain on police bail.

A body was recovered on November 2 after the building had been made safe enough to enter.

A local man had been unaccounted for since the fire and his next of kin have been informed, but police said work to formally identify the body is still ongoing.

Above: The aftermath of the Honestone Street fire left the top part of the terraced property severely damaged. Credit: Graham Hobbs

At the height of the blaze, 15 fire appliances were in attendance and fire crews worked throughout the night to bring it under control, while 45 residents were evacuated from the terrace and surrounding buildings, with some still unable to return home.

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