DETECTIVES who are investigating the deaths of a mother and her young son in a house fire have made a fifth arrest.

Gina Ingles and her four-year-old son Milo Ingles-Bailey died in Croxden Way, Eastbourne, in July 2018.

Her partner Tony Jarrett, 27, escaped via a first floor window and suffered serious burns.

Officers previously made four arrests and confirmed that earlier this month a fifth man was held at Gatwick Airport on suspicion of conspiracy to murder.

Detective Inspector Gordon Denslow said: “This arrest is linked to the arrests made in December and is a significant development in the investigation.

Grieve

“We continue to pursue those responsible for this and will do so relentlessly on behalf of Gina and Milo’s family, who continue to grieve for the loss of their daughter and grandson.

“I’d like to thank the community for their continued support and encourage anyone with any information that could assist us to find those responsible for this horrific crime to please come forward.

“Help us achieve justice for a four-year-old boy and his young mother.”

In December a 41-year-old man from Hastings was arrested on suspicion of murder, while a 28-year-old man from Eastbourne was held on suspicion of conspiracy to commit murder.

Two men aged 48 and 24 were arrested earlier in the probe, with the 48-year-old released and facing no further action.

Now police say a 29-year-old man from St Leonards was arrested on suspicion of conspiracy to murder when he re-entered the country from overseas at Gatwick on January 15.

He was interviewed and released on bail until February 13.

Meanwhile the 41-year-old and 28-year-old were interviewed and released under investigation as the inquiry continues.

Anyone with any information is urged to report it online to Sussex Police or call 101, quoting Operation Druffield.

Independent charity Crimestoppers can be contacted anonymously on 0800 555 111.