Two teenagers have been arrested on suspicion of murder following the death of an 81-year-old man, Godfrey Bradford, whose body was discovered in a caravan on Christmas Day. A woman has also been arrested on suspicion of intentionally encouraging or assisting the commission of murder.
Police were called to the rural property near Chudleigh in Devon at approximately 10:50 a.m. on December 25 of the previous year, following concerns for the welfare of a man. A fire was believed to have occurred at the property but had been extinguished prior to the arrival of emergency services. Mr. Bradford was confirmed dead at the scene, and his next of kin were notified.
Initially, his death was treated as unexplained. Detectives worked with the fire service to establish the circumstances surrounding the incident. An inquest into Mr. Bradford's death, who was a single man and a retired farm contractor, was opened. The coroner noted that concerns had been raised for his welfare and that he was found unresponsive inside the fire-damaged caravan. His cause of death had not been ascertained at that time, and the inquest was adjourned.
Following months of investigation, an 18-year-old man and a 19-year-old woman, both from south Devon, were arrested on suspicion of murder. The woman in her 50s, also from south Devon, was arrested on suspicion of intentionally encouraging or assisting the commission of murder. All three suspects have since been released on bail pending further inquiries.
Detective Inspector Chris Lithgow stated that the arrests were part of the ongoing investigation into Mr. Bradford's death. Police have urged the public not to speculate about the case as it remains an active investigation.