Murder enquiry launched following scrapyard fire near Newton Poppleford

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 (9 January).

A spokesperson for Devon and Cornwall Police said: "We were notified at around 2.30am to reports of the fire and a concern of welfare of a man.

"Officers attended the scene where a man in his 40s was pronounced deceased.

"His next of kin have been informed."

Officers from the Major Crime Investigating Team are currently in the initial stages of the investigation.

A 30-year-old man from no fixed abode has been arrested on suspicion of murder and is currently in police custody.

A number of police officers and specialist resources will remain visible at the scene over the next few days.

Anyone with information is asked to contact police via 101 quoting 0061 090120.