TWO people remain in custody following a house fire that claimed a life in Malvern.

A man and a male youth, arrested yesterday, are being questioned at Worcester Police Station after an inferno ripped through a terraced house in The Glade, Malvern, at 1.45am.

Nobody has been charged, but the fire is being treated as arson.

Thirty-seven-year-old Richard Perkins, described by friends as a quiet man who wanted more out of life, was found dead in a bedroom by firefighters.

No formal ID has yet taken place, but a post mortem examination is expected this afternoon.

Four others managed to escape the blaze. His wife and two of three step-children remain in serious conditions in hospital.

The youngest, 17-year-old Katie, is in a critical condition, fighting for her life.

Police are still appealing for information and witnesses to come forward.

Detective Superintendent Andy Rowsell, head of West Mercia Constabulary’s major incident unit, said: “We would still most certainly like to hear from anyone who has information which they think may be useful to the enquiry.

“Please call 08457 444888 or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555111.

"Don’t assume that others will call police, your information may be vital in the work being done to continue to piece together what happened.”

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