Three men arrested in connection with Cowes fatal fire investigation

Three more men have been arrested on suspicion of murder and arson following the fatal house fire in Cowes that claimed the life of a man in his 20s.

Emergency services were called to Ronsons Close at 3.32am on Friday (26 June) after reports of a fire at a property. Police, firefighters and ambulance crews attended, but despite their efforts, a man in his 20s was pronounced dead at the scene.

Formal identification has not yet taken place, but the victim's next of kin have been informed and are being supported by specialist officers.

As part of what Hampshire & Isle of Wight Constabulary has described as a "fast-paced investigation", officers arrested three further men on Saturday night (27 June).

The men, aged 24, 24 and 59, all from Cowes, have been arrested on suspicion of murder and arson with intent to endanger life.

They remain in police custody while enquiries continue.

Meanwhile, a 28-year-old man from Ventnor, who was arrested on Friday on suspicion of murder, arson with intent to endanger life and possession of an offensive weapon in a public place, has been released on conditional bail until 27 September while further investigations are carried out.

Detectives are continuing to appeal for witnesses or anyone with doorbell, dashcam or CCTV footage from the area around the time of the fire to come forward.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Hampshire & Isle of Wight Constabulary on 101 or report information online, quoting incident number 44260302232. Information can also be passed anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Residents can expect to see an increased police presence in the Ronsons Close area over the coming days as officers continue their investigation.