Five teenagers have been arrested after one person died in a house fire, police have said.
Four boys and a girl – all aged under 18 and from north Devon – have been held on suspicion of arson with intent to endanger life following the blaze in Bideford.
A murder investigation was launched following the fire at a terraced house in Honestone Street on Tuesday evening. A man remains unaccounted for, and his next-of-kin have been informed, police said.
The force added a man in his 30s, from Bideford, who was previously arrested on suspicion of arson with intent to endanger life had been released on police bail.
Devon and Cornwall Police said detectives were now treating the fire as a murder investigation and a scene guard remained in place.
Det Insp 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.
He added: “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,” he said.
“We appreciate this is a worrying time for the local community, but I would like to thank residents for their patience and support.”
He added the force asked people not to speculate online regarding the 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,” he said.
The police said some residents remained evacuated from their homes and the police force was working with the local authority to support them.
Torridge District Council said it was working with the Police and Fire Service to help 45 residents.
It said discussions were ongoing to work out when and how residents could safely return to their homes.
