A man has been arrested on suspicion of a double murder after a mother and her four-year-old son died in a house fire.

The 47-year-old man from Eastbourne was also held on suspicion of one count of attempted murder having been arrested in the town at 10.40am on Sunday.

Police believe Gina Ingles, 34, and her son Milo Ingles died in the blaze at their home in the seaside town in East Sussex, but they have not been formally identified.

The mother’s partner, Toby Jarrett, 26, remains in an induced coma having been taken to hospital in the early hours of Tuesday suffering from burns.

The family of Ms Ingles and Milo paid tributes to their “shining lights”, adding that he was “a beautiful little boy so full of fun and smiles” and she was “a kind and free-spirited person with a big heart”.

Firefighters were called shortly after 1am on Tuesday but their bodies were only found in a first floor bedroom in Croxden Way at noon on Wednesday.

Post-mortem examinations showed they died from smoke inhalation, Sussex Police said.

Detective Chief Inspector Mike Ashcroft said: “Our thoughts continue to be with the victims’ family and friends. I am aware that this horrific incident continues to have a huge impact on the community.

“I am appealing to anyone who has even the smallest piece of information which they think might help us to find out who is responsible for committing this terrible crime to get in touch with us.”