Family mourn 'loyal friend' found dead after fire

The family of a man who died after a fire tore through a property have called him "a loyal and generous friend" who walked through life on his own terms.

Emergency crews were called to Honestone Street, Bideford, Devon, at about 20.30 GMT on 28 October.

The body of a man, who was recovered from the building on 2 November, had been confirmed as Angus Clyde, 55, said Devon and Cornwall Police.

Three teenagers arrested on suspicion of arson with intent to endanger life have had their bail extended until mid-April, said officers. Two other teenagers and a man in his 30s will face no further action, they added.

The damage to the property was so severe that teams, including structural engineers, spent days trying to make the site safe before Clyde's body could be recovered.

His family said: "Angus' death has been devastating for us, and we have struggled to come to terms with this unimaginable loss."

They described him as a "son, brother, uncle, cousin, partner, friend and, above all, a devoted father".

"He lived life in his own unconventional way, guided by his values and his curiosity about the world," they said.

"Angus never felt the need to conform. He followed his own path and that individuality was part of what made him so special to so many."

They said music meant everything to him, and he loved sharing new pieces with anyone who wanted to listen.

They also said he found peace on long walks along the Tarka Trail and enjoyed the quiet of the outdoors.

They added: "He was also a loyal and generous friend, someone who brought warmth and humour into the lives of those around him. He will be greatly missed."

Follow BBC Devon on X, Facebook and Instagram. Send your story ideas to spotlight@bbc.co.uk.