Two teens arrested on suspicion of murder of man, 81, on Christmas Day

See more Daily Mail on Google - save us as a Preferred Source Published: 07:29 EDT, 19 August 2026 | Updated: 07:34 EDT, 19 August 2026 Two teenagers have been arrested on suspicion of murder after an 81-year-old man was found dead in a caravan on Christmas Day.Police were called to the rural property near Chudleigh in Devon, where a fire was believed to have occurred, at 10.50 am on December 25 last year.The body of Godfrey Bradford was found inside the property, with his death initially treated as unexplained.However, police have since confirmed that an 18-year-old man and a 19-year-old woman have been arrested on suspicion of murder.A woman in her 50s has also been arrested on suspicion of intentionally encouraging or assisting the commission of murder. All three suspects, from south Devon, have been released on bail.Detective Inspector Chris Lithgow said: 'Our officers have carried out three arrests as part of our inquiries into the death of Godfrey Bradford near Chudleigh on Christmas Day last year.'The arrests follow months of investigation into the circumstances surrounding Mr Bradford's death. Police were called to the rural property near Chudleigh in Devon, where a fire was believed to have occurred, at 10.50 am on December 25 last year The body of Godfrey Bradford was found inside the property, with his death initially treated as unexplained'We would like to remind the public not to speculate on what is an ongoing investigation.'Police previously said officers had been called to the caravan following concerns for a man.A fire was believed to have occurred at the property but had been extinguished before the arrival of emergency services.Mr Bradford was confirmed dead at the scene and his next of kin were informed.His death was initially treated as unexplained, with police working with the fire service to establish the circumstances of the incident. An inquest was opened into the victim’s death, and it was stated that he was a single man and a retired farm contractor.The coroner said concerns had been raised for his welfare, and he was found unresponsive inside the fire-damaged caravan.His cause of death at that time had not been ascertained, and the inquest was adjourned.