A man arrested on suspicion of murder following the death of three people in a fire near Kettering has been released and won't face any further action. The man, 54, had been arrested on Saturday night.
Senior investigating officer Detective Chief Inspector Ruby Burrow, of the East Midlands Special Operations Unit, said that in some cases an arrest is required to "best secure potential evidence". She said: "It is only right that an incident such as this is treated with the utmost seriousness, to make sure we have done all we can to understand what has happened for the sake of those who have died and their loved ones."
DCI Burrow added: "Our team has been working at pace on this investigation and after rigorous examination of the available information, we do not believe there is any evidence of criminal wrongdoing at this point. As a result, the arrested man has been released without charge and will now be supported by specialist officers as he continues to assist the investigation team. The families involved have been kept updated on this development and I would repeat our request for their privacy to be respected at this incredibly distressing time."
Horrified locals said the "whole village is in shock" following the tragedy that left a four-year-old girl, a 30-year-old woman and a 23-year-old man dead. Three police officers were also injured in the blaze. One neighbour described the huge emergency response and compared the fire in a historic former station house in the village of Rushton to an "inferno". "There were ambulance, police and fire. I don't know the people who live there but all we can do is hope and pray," the witness said. "It's just tragic. It's just horrible"
Emergency services were called at around 10:30pm on Friday to reports of a large blaze at a property in Beswick Close in Rushton, near Kettering. The victims' next of kin, meanwhile, have been informed and are being supported by specially trained officers.
In a statement on Sunday afternoon, Chief Inspector Paul Cash previously said: "We know this incident has caused significant distress locally and our officers will remain in the area to provide reassurance and help where we can. In relation to this investigation, one arrest has been made, and we will provide updates surrounding this as soon as we can. This investigation is well under way but remains in its early stages, and it will take time to fully establish what has happened."
Images from the site show a large hole burned through the roof of the building, which is a 19th century former station master's house at the now-closed Glendon and Rushton railway station. It is a Grade II-listed building, according to the Historic England website, and is believed to now be a residential property.
DCI Burrow also said previously: "This is a heartbreaking situation and my thoughts, and those of everyone involved in responding to this fire, are with the people who died and those who love them. An incredibly thorough and complex investigation is underway with our partners in Northamptonshire Fire and Rescue Service to make sure we get the answers that loved ones need and deserve. Due to the intensity of the fire we are managing a very challenging and dangerous scene, and are working with partners to safely and respectfully recover the deceased to enable formal identification to take place."
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