Three teens arrested over firework attack
Three teens have been arrested in connection with firework attack which killed mother, Mary Fox
Monday, 09, Nov 2009 12:41
Three teenagers have reportedly been arrested on suspicion of murdering a mother by putting fireworks through her letter box.
Mary Fox, 59, a mother-of-nine, died in a fire in her home on Thursday evening after helping her 17-year-old son to escape the blaze.
An investigation began when the remnants of a firework were found behind the front door of Ms Fox's home. An 18-year-old man, and two 17-year-olds from Bodmin in Cornwall, where Ms Fox lived, are now being held on suspicion of murder, and are in custody awaiting interview.
Raum, Ms Fox's son, escaped from the property and raised the alarm. Police have played down reports from neighbours that Ms Fox's son had mild learning disabilities and may have been harassed by local youths. Police said the claims were "purely speculation".
Reports over the weekend said Facebook and other social networking sites were being investigated by police to help them determine the culprits.
Inspector Matt Longman of Devon and Cornwall police said names of possible suspects were being "bandied about" on websites and this could be used to "progress inquiries".
"Anything that comes to light we will follow up but we cannot say there is anything specific on them that will take the investigation forward at this time," he added.