Firework victim 'devoted' mother

Mary Fox helped her 17-year-old son jump out of a window on the first floor

The family of a mother-of-nine who died in a house fire after a firework was thought to have been put through the door, have paid tribute to her.

Mary Fox died in the fire in Wallace Road, Bodmin, Cornwall on Thursday after helping her 17-year-old son, Raum, jump out of a first floor window.

The 59-year-old has been described by her family as a self-sacrificing woman who was "loving and caring".

A murder investigation has begun into her death.

In a statement, her 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.

She never did anything to hurt anyone and never would Family statement

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

"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."

Bullying 'speculation'

Earlier reports that Ms Fox's son had mild learning disabilities and may have been harassed by local youths were played down by police.

Superintendent Martin Orpe said: "Initial enquires have revealed that there are no mental health issues in relation to either the deceased, Mary Fox, or her son Raum. However it is fair to say that Mary could have been regarded as eccentric.

Mary Fox had nine children and was also a grandmother

"In relation to evidence of intimidation and bullying towards either Mary or Raum, again there is no obvious evidence... To suggest that earlier press reports regarding the systematic intimidation or bullying of either of them was a cause of this incident is purely speculation and is unfounded at this time."

A joint investigation is under way with Cornwall Fire Service into the cause of the blaze which broke out shortly after 1900 GMT.

Together with the fire service, police are also investigating suggestions that a firework may have started the blaze after one was found behind the door in the property.

Det Ch Insp Paul Burgan said: "We cannot say how they got the firework in there, but it appears from the location inside the property that it was put in through the letterbox.

"At the present time we cannot find any other seat of fire."

Detectives are appealing for witnesses to come forward and say that the "key to solving the murder inquiry lies within the local community of Bodmin".