A quiet coastal community in Devon has been rocked by a devastating house fire that has now become a murder investigation, with five teenagers taken into police custody.
The blaze erupted at a residential property in the picturesque town of Sidmouth, reducing the home to ruins and prompting a major emergency response. Fire crews battled the inferno through the night, but the damage was extensive.
Devon and Cornwall Police have confirmed the arrest of five teenagers in connection with the incident. The individuals, whose identities remain protected due to their age, are currently being questioned by detectives.
The investigation has taken a serious turn, with authorities now treating the case as a potential murder. While specific details about what prompted this classification remain undisclosed, the escalation suggests investigators have uncovered evidence pointing to foul play.
Local residents have expressed shock and horror at the events unfolding in their typically peaceful community. One neighbour described the scene as "utterly terrifying" and spoke of flames engulfing the property.
Police have cordoned off the area around the burned-out structure as forensic teams work to determine the exact cause of the fire. The investigation involves multiple agencies, including fire service specialists who are assisting in determining the blaze's origin.
Authorities have appealed for anyone with information about the incident to come forward, particularly those who may have witnessed suspicious activity in the area around the time the fire started.
The community now waits anxiously for answers as the investigation continues to unfold, with the beautiful seaside town grappling with this unexpected tragedy.
