Three teenagers were arrested today in connection with the death of a mother killed after a firework was pushed through her letterbox.

The boys, aged 17 and 18, who are all from Bodmin, in Cornwall, are being held in custody after detectives searched Facebook for clues to the murder case.

Mary Fox, 59, mother of 9, was trapped in her bedroom after reportedly pushing her 17-year-old son, Raum, to safety through an upstairs window as flames engulfed the house.

The teenagers were arrested after reports suggested that locals had posted their names on the internet. "Some of the information has come via Facebook - indeed it is unusual these days for Facebook not to feature in a case such as this," said a force spokesman.

The fire broke out at around 7.15pm on Bonfire night and the remnants of a firework were found behind the front door.

Police say it was pushed through the letterbox and started the blaze.

Two 17-year-old boys and an 18-year-old man are awaiting interview at Launceston police station, Bodmin, today.

After leaping from the three-storey house, Raum ran to alert neighbours that his mother was still trapped inside.

Firefighters arrived within minutes but were too late to save Mrs Fox. They found her lying dead in the same room from which her son had escaped.

Officers have investigated claims that Raum, who has learning difficulties, was being bullied at school and that the family was targeted by youths who had been throwing fireworks in the street.

It is thought Raum moved from Bodmin College to St Austell College because of bullying.

But Devon and Cornwall police said there is no obvious evidence that Mrs Fox or Raum had been victims of bullying after speaking to schools and social services.

Mrs Fox had not made any complaints to police about harassment or intimidation.

Mrs Fox’s family paid tribute to their “loving and caring” mother who devoted her life to her children.

In addition to Raum, Mrs Fox had eight other children aged between 20 and their mid-thirties.

In a statement, the family said: “We, the sons and daughters of Mary, would like to thank everyone for their kind words at this difficult time.

“We would also like to say a huge thank you to the fire service who tried to rescue our mother from this horrific fire that makes no sense.

“Our mum devoted her life to us her nine children and went without herself to provide the best that she could for us,” her children said.

“She was at times, shall we say, eccentric, she had a sense of humour and was loving and caring. She never did anything to hurt anyone and never would. She would give her last penny to help those in less fortunate circumstances than herself,” they added.

Neighbours said Mrs Fox may have been trying to save her cat when the fire took hold.

Witnesses are asked to call police on 08452 777444 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111

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