30-year-old man arrested 'on suspicion of murder' after fatal caravan fire near Sidmouth

A 30-year-old man has been arrested in East Devon on suspicion of murder following a fatal caravan fire in Newton Poppleford, near Sidmouth, this morning.

A murder enquiry has been launched following a fire at a caravan which happened at a scrapyard in Newton Poppleford in the early hours of this morning, Thursday 9 January.

Police were notified at around 2.30am to reports of the fire and for the concerns of the welfare of a man within the caravan.

Officers, along with fire and ambulance services, attended the scene where a man in his 40s, who was believed to be living in the caravan, was pronounced deceased. His next of kin have been informed.

The investigation is being led by the Major Crime Investigation Team, supported by local detectives, forensic staff, family liaison officers, neighbourhood and response teams, and an extensive range of specialists who have been working since the early hours of this morning.

Senior Investigating Office DI Lee Nattrass said: "We are currently in the very early stages of our investigation.

"A 30-year-old man was arrested in Exmouth this morning on suspicion of murder. He remains in police custody.

"At this time are keeping an open mind and I would urge everyone to avoid speculation, given we are still in the early stages of the investigation."

Superintendent Matthew Lawler said: "I know that this will cause some understandable concern in the peaceful villages of Newton Poppleford and Harpford.

"A number of police officers and specialist resources will remain visible at the scene over the next few days as part of our enquiries into this death.

"Local residents in the area will continue to see the police cordon. It is likely that detailed forensic and other work may take some days, so we expect the cordons to remain in place into the weekend.

"The roads will be opened later today, Thursday 9 January, and the main A3052 will remain unaffected.

"The local neighbourhood team have been out on foot patrol during the day today, speaking to residents and local businesses, and they will continue to be available over the next few days in order to provide advice, support, and to answer questions."

Anyone with information is asked to contact the police via 101 quoting log number 61 090120.

Information can also be passed anonymously to independent charity Crimestoppers by calling 0800 555111, or via www.crimestoppers-uk.org.

To see more pictures from the scene, click the red button below.