By Isle of Wight Observer
A third man, arrested over the murder of a man who died in a Cowes house fire, has been released with no further action.
Police were called at 3.32pm on Friday, June 26, to a fire in Ronsons Close, Cowes, with Lucas Scutt, 24, pronounced dead at the scene.
A 28-year-old man from Ventnor was arrested on suspicion of murder, arson with intent to endanger life, and possession of an offensive weapon in a public place. He was initially released on bail with conditions until September 2, but police have now announced they are taking no further action against him. Two Cowes men, aged 24 and 59, were also arrested on suspicion of murder and arson with intent to endanger life, but also faced no further action.
Liam Matthews, 24, of Spinnaker Road, Cowes, has been charged with murder, arson with intent to endanger life, and failure to comply with a Section 49 notice to disclose the password to access information on a digital device.
Mr Matthews, who is yet to enter pleas, saw his case at Portsmouth Crown Court adjourned for a plea and trial preparation hearing at the same venue on September 28. He was remanded in custody until then. A provisional trial date has been fixed for March 15, 2027.
