Tribute to firework fire mother

Mary Fox's family said they "all miss her dearly"

The family of a woman from Cornwall who died in a house fire on Bonfire Night have spoken of their shock at her "senseless" death.

Mary Fox, 59, of Wallace Road, Bodmin, died in the fire last Thursday evening after a firework is believed to have been pushed through her letterbox.

Her nine children said in a statement that she was "a special and unique person" who they all missed "dearly".

Three teenagers are being questioned by police about the fire.

'Senseless death'

Ms Fox's children thanked people for their "support, kindness and sympathy" during a "very difficult time" since her death.

They said: "The senseless death of our mum has shocked us, particularly how she died.

"She was a resourceful person who would find a use for everything. She enjoyed listening to the radio and she liked to read. She was a supporter of many charities."

Ms Fox had helped her 17-year-old son Raum to escape from the property and raise the alarm.

She is then believed to have remained inside to rescue her cat but was unable to escape.

The remnants of a firework were found behind the front door of her house.

An 18-year-old man and two 17-year-old youths from the Bodmin area, who were arrested on Monday, remain in custody at Launceston police station.