'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 a loud explosion at a bungalow in Nottinghamshire.

Emergency services were called to the garage of a 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. The force said a joint fire and police investigation into the cause of the fire was under way.

Poole's family said he loved cars, used to be a autograss 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 - his home of 40 years.

The family 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.

Fire crews from Ashfield, Alfreton, Eastwood and Ripley attended the scene.

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

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

Neighbours described hearing a loud explosion.

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 she went to the scene to assist and saw "lots of people", including elderly neigbours, being evacuated.

"Everyone was quite scared," she added.

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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