Five children bailed after arson arrests

The fire broke out in Bideford on Tuesday evening

Five children arrested after a house fire which left a person missing have been released on bail, police said.

Four boys and a girl aged between 13 and 15, from north Devon, had been held on suspicion of arson with intent to endanger life following the fire in Bideford.

Police said they were treating the fire at a terraced house in Honestone Street on Tuesday evening "as a suspicious incident with murder as one of several hypotheses being considered".

A man remains unaccounted for, and his next-of-kin have been informed, officers said. A man in his 30s, from Bideford, who was previously arrested on suspicion of arson with intent to endanger life was released on police bail, the force added.

Police said they had been working with the local authority and other agencies to help a number of evacuated residents until they were able to return home.

Structural engineers were also at the scene to assess the damage.

Det Insp Chris Lithgow, from the major crime investigation team, thanked those who evacuated "for their patience and understanding while we continue what is a very challenging investigation".

"Work is ongoing to reduce the cordon and allow for residents to return home as soon as possible when safe to do so," he said.

"Those residents who remain displaced will continue to be housed and looked after."

He also urged people "not to speculate online regarding this incident and remind everyone that proceedings are legally active".