Three Men Bailed As Murder Investigation Into Fatal Cowes Fire Continues

Three men arrested on suspicion of murder following last week's fatal house fire in Cowes have been released on conditional bail as police continue their investigation.

The homicide inquiry was launched after a fire broke out at a property in Ronsons Close during the early hours of Friday 26 June.

The blaze caused significant damage to three family homes.

Firefighters discovered the body of a man in his 20s inside an upstairs bedroom after bringing the fire under control.

Two other people are believed to have escaped from the property.

Hampshire & Isle of Wight Constabulary has confirmed that a 24-year-old man from Cowes, who had remained in custody while detectives carried out further questioning, has now been released on conditional bail until 27 September.

A second 24-year-old man from Cowes, arrested on suspicion of murder and arson with intent to endanger life, has also been bailed until September, along with a 28-year-old man from Ventnor.

Meanwhile, a 59-year-old man from Cowes, who was arrested on suspicion of murder and arson with intent to endanger life, has been released with no further action.

Police say enquiries under Operation Whinstone remain ongoing.

The man who died has not yet been formally identified, although his next of kin have been informed and are being supported by specially trained officers.