POLICE have launched a murder investigation following a fatal fire at a derelict residential property in Newquay.

Officers were called by Cornwall Fire and Rescue Service to a fire at a house on Narrowcliff on Tuesday, July 22, at around 4.35pm.

The body of a man in his 30s was found deceased in the property. His next of kin have been informed.

The cause of the fire is believed to be suspicious, and police say enquiries are ongoing to establish the surrounding circumstances.

A scene guard remains in place.

A 33-year-old man from Bolton has been arrested on suspicion of murder. He remains in police custody.

Detective Superintendent Jon Bancroft, force senior investigation officer, said: “We have launched a murder investigation after a man’s body was found following a fire at the former Narrowcliff Hotel in Newquay.

“While we have arrested a man on suspicion of murder, we are keeping an open mind in relation to the circumstances surrounding the death.

“Incidents of this nature are shocking for any community, especially in the light of recent events in Cornwall and our ongoing investigations.

“There will be a heightened police presence in the area, and we would ask that anyone with any information approach our officers, contact us online or call 101.”

Anyone who witnessed the incident or have any information or dashcam footage that could help with enquiries, are asked to contact police via the force website or by calling 101 quoting 50250189321.

Alternatively, independent charity Crimestoppers can be contacted anonymously online at Crimestoppers-uk.org or by calling freephone 0800 555111.