'True gent', 91, killed in garage bungalow explosion

A 91-year-old man described as a "true gentleman" has died in a fire that caused loud explosions in a garage at a bungalow in Nottinghamshire.

Emergency services were called to the property on Church Lane, in the village of Selston, at 19:18 BST on Saturday.

The family of Derek Poole told the BBC he had gone into his workshop, where he also watched TV, when the explosion happened.

Nottinghamshire Police said a body was later discovered in the wreckage, adding a joint fire and police investigation into the cause of the fire was under way.

Poole's family said he loved cars and used to be a grass track racer, and previously owned a garage and haulage company.

They said he was a much-loved dad, grandad and great grandad, who was well known in the area where he lived at his home of 40 years.

The family have thanked the local community for its support.

Tributes have been left on Nottingham Autograss Club Facebook page, with many people describing Poole as a "true gentleman", who will be "greatly missed".

One person wrote: "Very sad news of the passing of Derek Poole.

"One of the sports superstars during his time in autograss and a really genuine guy, our thoughts are with his family."

Another said: "Difficult to put into a few words what effect Derek had on the the autograss world. I'd say an immense effect.

"A true gentleman, a very competitive racing driver and a dear friend too so many."

Another person said: "Shocking and sad news, he was a true legend of our sport, RIP."

A post mortem examination is to take place in due course.

Neighbours described hearing loud explosions as the blaze took hold.

Fire crews from Ashfield, Alfreton, Eastwood and Ripley attended with people asked to avoid the area.

Nearby residents were evacuated as emergency services attended and road closures were put in place, which have since been lifted.

By about 21:50 on Saturday, the fire was under control, with one crew remaining on the scene overnight.

Resident Faye Sturgess said: "Being a farming community, we're used to hearing bangs from scaring the rabbits in the fields, but this was like nothing I've ever heard."

She said after hearing the "loudest thing I've ever heard", she went to the scene to assist.

She told the BBC: "There were lots of people out, elderly neighbours were, we assumed, being evacuated.

"Everyone was quite scared."

Det Sgt Millie Gillett said: "This was a tragic incident, and our thoughts remain with the man's family at this difficult time.

"They continue to be supported by our officers.

"There is no indication at this stage of any wider threat to the public, and it's being treated as an isolated incident.

"I would also like to acknowledge the cooperation of local residents and thank them for their patience."

Group Manager Jonathan Holford, from Nottinghamshire Fire and Rescue Service, added: "We would like to express our sincere condolences to the man's family, friends and all those affected by this tragic incident.

"Our crews worked alongside partner agencies throughout the incident."

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