Detectives Continue Murder Investigation Following Fatal Cowes House Fire

Detectives investigating last week’s fatal house fire in Cowes, which claimed the life of a man in his 20s, have confirmed that two men have been released on bail while two others remain in custody on suspicion of murder.

Emergency services were called to Ronsons Close at 3.32am on Friday 26th June after a fire broke out in the roof space of a terraced property, causing significant damage.

Fire crews spent several hours tackling the blaze before discovering the body of a man inside the property, believed to have been in bed at the time.

It is understood two other people were able to escape the fire, along with residents in neighbouring properties who were also asleep at the time.

In the immediate aftermath of the incident, 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 has since been released on bail with conditions until 27th September while enquiries continue.

On Saturday night, police arrested a further three men — a 24-year-old man, another 24-year-old man, and a 59-year-old man, all from Cowes — on suspicion of murder and arson with intent to endanger life.

Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary has now confirmed that two of the men, both aged 24, remain in police custody and are being questioned by specialist detectives.

The 59-year-old man has since been released on bail with conditions until 27th September.

Officers are continuing to appeal for witnesses, or anyone with doorbell, dashcam or CCTV footage from the Ronsons Close area around the time of the incident, to come forward.

Information can be reported to police on 101, quoting reference 44260302232.

Ronsons Close remains closed, with a significant police presence expected to remain in the area while investigations continue.