3 men arrested on suspicion of murder have been bailed – and a fourth man has been released with no further action – following last week’s fatal house fire in Cowes.
The homicide investigation was launched on Friday after a fire tore through a property in Ronsons Close during the early hours of the morning, partially destroying 3 family homes.
Firefighters discovered the body of a man in his 20s inside a bedroom as they brought the blaze under control. It is thought 2 other people managed to escape the flames.
A 24-year-old man from Cowes, who had remained in custody after detectives secured additional time to question him, has now been bailed with conditions until 27th September, Hampshire & Isle of Wight Constabulary has confirmed this afternoon (Wednesday).
A second 24-year-old man, also from Cowes, was arrested on suspicion of murder and arson with intent to endanger life. He too has been bailed with conditions until September while enquiries continue, as has a 28-year-old man from Ventnor – the first of 4 people to be held over the suspicious death.
However, a 59-year-old man from Cowes, who was also arrested on suspicion of murder and arson with intent to endanger life, has now been released from bail and will face no further action in relation to those offences.
Detectives leading Operation Whinstone have been unable to secure enough evidence to be granted a charging decision by the Crown Prosecution Service, meaning efforts continue to identify a prime suspect in the murder investigation.
The man who died has not yet been formally identified by police, although his next of kin have been informed and continue to be supported by specialist officers.
