Joss 'fine' as police quiz men arrested in alleged murder plot

SINGER Joss Stone has reassured fans she is "absolutely fine" after being at the centre of an alleged murder and robbery plot.

The 24-year-old star's Devon home was guarded by police after two men were arrested on suspicion of conspiracy to rob and murder.

Uniformed officers were deployed to the sprawling property near Cullompton after details of an alleged plot involving the star – including the use of rope and a body bag – emerged.

The soul singer's mother, Wendy Joseph – who owns Exeter nightspot Mama Stone's – was pictured outside the gated country house, in Ashill, but there was no sign of Joss at the property.

She later released a statement saying she was "getting on with life as normal".

She said: "I'd like to thank everyone for their concern but I'm absolutely fine and getting on with life as normal while the police continue with their enquiries."

Shocked residents in the area said the incident would have been alarming for the singer and her family.

Sue West, 43, of Culmstock, said: "I am disgusted that these people would come to a quiet, safe area and try to do something like this. I am sure that the area has been ruined for Joss, for a short time at least. It makes me angry. Joss is a nice, local girl who doesn't deserve this.

"I saw her when we went to vote and she is just a normal person. I think it's great that somebody spotted these men and rang the police before anything awful happened."

A 20-year-old Ashill woman, who didn't want to give her name, said: "I grew up here and normally it feels like the safest place in the world. If there is trouble people band together. Knowing that something terrible like this nearly happened here affects me and I hope that people can begin to feel comfortable again."

Neighbour Simon Allsopp, who said he knew the family, said: "They're fine. They are used to it, being under siege, though not like this."

Another neighbour said: "The whole village is shocked by this. It's awful. We are a small community so stick together.

"I am just grateful that local people became suspicious and spotted these men before something terrible happened.

"I'm sure the experience has been alarming for Joss and her family."

Police were contacted after two men were seen in a red Fiat Punto acting suspiciously.

The pair, aged 30 and 33, from the Manchester area, were initially arrested for possession of offensive weapons and being equipped to steal.

Following a search of the vehicle, officers are alleged to have found swords, rope and a body bag.

The men are also said to have had detailed maps and aerial photos of 24-year-old Joss' rural property.

The pair were detained for the further offences of conspiracy to rob and conspiracy to murder.

The drama first unfolded at around 10am on Monday after the men were spotted driving around the lanes close to Joss Stone's property, which is around six miles from the centre of Cullompton.

It is not known if the singer was at home at the time.

Police were granted an extension to keep the men in custody for questioning at Heavitree Road police station.

They remained in custody last night.

A representative of Stone said police had been in touch with the singer, whose hits include Super Duper Love and Fell In Love With A Boy .

The incident is being dealt with by the force's Major Crime Department. Around 20 officers are understood to be involved.

Detective Inspector Steve Parker, leading the investigation, said:"The two men in custody had in their possession information relating to an individual in the Cullompton area and items which lead us to suspect that they may have intended to commit a criminal offence. Police enquiries continue and the men remain in custody.

"We're unable to say any more at this time but I would like to thank the local residents for reporting the suspicious car.

"Our officers are currently carrying out reassurance patrols and it's important to stress that no properties have been burgled and no individuals have been harmed."

A Devon and Cornwall Police spokesman said: "Police attended an address in Cullompton on Monday morning after alert residents notified officers about a suspicious-looking vehicle.

"Officers attended the area at around 10am and subsequently arrested the occupants of a red Fiat Punto.

"Major crime detectives are continuing to investigate."

A spokesperson from Mama Stone's said: "We are staying open all week as normal, with all bands booked to play still performing."

Last month, the Sunday Times Rich list placed Stone, who grew up in Devon, as the fifth wealthiest British and Irish pop star aged under 30, with a fortune of £9 million.