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Sunday 22/02/2026

Murder Arrest and Apology Amidst Cornwall's Rising Crime Concerns

Burning house at night in Newquay with police present
Sofia RomanoSofia Romano

In This Article

HIGHLIGHTS

  • A 33-year-old man from Bolton has been arrested on suspicion of murder following a fatal fire in Newquay.
  • The fire, considered suspicious, resulted in the death of a man in his 30s, with ongoing police investigations.
  • Devon and Cornwall Police are managing three separate murder investigations, including the deaths of Daniel Coleman and Lee Hockey.
  • Police and Crime Commissioner Alison Hernandez apologized for incorrectly stating multiple bodies were found in Cornwall.
  • Det Supt Jon Bancroft confirmed the investigations are independent and not linked, emphasizing operational oversight.

A man has been arrested on suspicion of murder following a suspicious fire at a property in Newquay, Cornwall. The blaze, which erupted at around 16:30 BST on Tuesday, led to the discovery of a man's body in his 30s, according to Devon and Cornwall Police. The arrested individual, a 33-year-old from Bolton, remains in police custody as investigations continue.

Suspicious Fire Sparks Arrest

The fire at the Narrowcliff property is being treated as suspicious, with Det Supt Jon Bancroft, the senior investigating officer, urging the community to remain vigilant. "While we have arrested a man on suspicion of murder, we are keeping an open mind in relation to the circumstances surrounding the death," Bancroft stated. He assured residents of a heightened police presence in the area to ensure public safety.

Crime Commissioner's Apology for Misstatement

In a separate development, Devon and Cornwall's Police and Crime Commissioner, Alison Hernandez, issued an apology after mistakenly claiming multiple human remains were found in Cornwall's woodland. The police clarified that only the body of Daniel Coleman, 43, was recovered from the woods near Sticker. Hernandez expressed regret for any alarm caused, acknowledging her error in responding to an operational question without complete information.

Ongoing Murder Investigations

The region is currently grappling with three distinct murder investigations. Besides the Newquay fire, police are probing the deaths of Daniel Coleman and Lee Hockey, 50, whose body was discovered between Truro and Probus on July 1. Det Supt Bancroft confirmed that these investigations are being conducted independently and are not believed to be connected.

WHAT THIS MIGHT MEAN

As investigations progress, the focus will likely remain on gathering forensic evidence and witness testimonies to unravel the circumstances surrounding these deaths. The arrest in the Newquay fire case could lead to further legal proceedings, potentially impacting community perceptions of safety. Meanwhile, the apology from the crime commissioner highlights the importance of accurate communication in maintaining public trust. Moving forward, Devon and Cornwall Police will need to balance transparency with operational confidentiality to effectively manage these high-profile cases.

Images from the Web

Additional article image
Image Source: Devon and Cornwall PCC