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Five teens arrested over deaths of elderly couple

Family photo Stan and Roma Rickman are side-by-side and smiling at the camera. Mr Rickman, who is bald with light grey hair, wears a half-unzipped blue sports coat and a checked shirt. His wife has short, white hair and wears a green fleece over a black buttoned top.Family photo
Stan and Roma Rickman died as a result of the fire at their home, police said

Five teenage boys have been arrested on suspicion of murder following the deaths of an elderly couple in a house fire.

Stan, 91, and Roma Rickman, 88, were found dead at their home in Heron Close in Alton, Hampshire, in the early hours of 14 April.

Police said four boys from Alton, all aged 15, were arrested on suspicion of murder. A fifth 15-year old, who had previously been arrested and bailed, was re-arrested on suspicion of murder.

All five remain in custody.

A 32-year-old man from Aldershot and a 16-year-old boy from Alton previously arrested on suspicion of murder remain on bail.

A 15-year-old boy from Bordon previously arrested on suspicion of murder has been released without further action.

Police have renewed an appeal for information from anyone who may have seen any suspicious behaviour, or has CCTV, doorbell or dashcam footage, in the area of Heron Close between 00:00 and 05:00 BST on 14 April.

A police officer and police van outside a house with a dormer roof which is taped off.
Police and firefighters were sent to Heron Close, Alton, at about 04:00 BST on 14 April

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