Silence to mark Atherstone-on-Stour firefighter deaths

[dutchman]

A two-minute silence will be observed at fire stations across the country to mark the third anniversary of the fatal fire at Atherstone-on-Stour.



Crews will observe the silence at 1928 GMT to mark the loss of four firefighters from Warwickshire.

Three of the firefighters' bodies were found at a vegetable packing plant. Another man died in hospital.

Twelve people have been arrested over the matter and are due to answer bail early next year.

Warwickshire's Chief Fire Officer Graeme Smith said firefighters would be reflecting on the years that had passed and the impact the loss of colleagues has had on the service.

Formal parades will be held at both Stratford and Alcester as a mark of respect.

The bodies of Ashley Stephens, 20, John Averis, 27, and Darren Yates-Badley, 24, were found in the charred remains of the factory.

Ian Reid, 44, died in hospital after the fire.

Mr Stephens and Mr Yates-Badley were based at Alcester fire station.

Mr Reid and Mr Averis were based at Stratford-upon-Avon.

Ten people were arrested on suspicion of gross negligence manslaughter and two were arrested on suspicion of misconduct in a public office.

[rebbonk]

Fire fighters are getting a little bad press at the moment.

My experience of these guys is that they really are the very best. I know several who have taken personal risks to save lives.

I salute our fire fighters, we ought to be proud of them.