A 24-year-old man is still being questioned by detectives as Police continue their murder investigation into last week’s fatal house fire in Cowes, which claimed the life of a man in his 20s.
As first reported by Island Echo, emergency services were called to Ronsons Close at 03:32 on Friday morning (26th June) when a blaze ripped through the roof space of a terraced home, causing significant damage.
Firefighters battled the flames for several hours before tragically discovering the body of a man inside the property, believed to have been in bed.
Island Echo understands 2 other people escaped the fatal fire, while residents in neighbouring properties were also forced to flee their homes.
In the hours after the blaze, a 28-year-old man from Ventnor was arrested on suspicion of murder, arson with intent to endanger life and possession of an offensive weapon in a public place. He was later released on bail with conditions until Sunday 27th September while enquiries continue.
On Saturday night, detectives arrested a further 3 men – 2x 24-year-old men and a 59-year-old man, all from Cowes – on suspicion of murder and arson with intent to endanger life.
Hampshire & Isle of Wight Constabulary has now confirmed that only 1 of those 3 men remains in custody.
A 24-year-old man from Cowes continues to be questioned by specialist detectives, with Magistrates having given special permission for his continued detention.
The second 24-year-old man – and the 59-year-old man – have been released on bail, with conditions, until Sunday 27th September.
Hampshire & Isle of Wight Constabulary continued to appeal for anyone who was in the Ronsons Close area around the time of the incident, or anyone with doorbell, dashcam or CCTV footage that could assist the investigation, to come forward.
Anyone with information is asked to call Police on 101, quoting incident number 44260302232.
Ronsons Close has now reopened with cordons removed.
