LONDON — Two men have been arrested near Joss Stone’s home on suspicion of conspiracy to rob and murder, after reportedly being found in a car with swords, rope, a body bag and plans of the soul singer’s secluded house.
Stone, 24, said in a statement that she was “absolutely fine and getting on with life as normal” as police charged the men with conspiracy to commit robbery and conspiracy to commit grievous bodily harm.
Devon and Cornwall police said Junior Bradshaw, 30, and Kevin Liverpool, 33, both from the Manchester area of northwest England, were arrested Monday morning near Stone’s house in Cullompton, 175 miles southwest of London, after residents reported a suspicious-looking vehicle.
Detective Inspector Steve Parker said the men “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 offense.”
Police wouldn’t confirm a report in The Sun that the men had swords, rope and a body bag, as well as maps and aerial photos of Stone’s property.
Two police officers stood guard Wednesday outside the gates to the house, which is on a quiet country road.
Stone came to fame in 2003 as a small-town teenager with a big, soulful voice, showcased on her best-selling debut album, “The Soul Sessions,” and hit singles, including “Fell in Love with a Boy.”
