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

Key developments are emerging from the global stage. 'True gent', 91, killed in garage bungalow explosion25 minutes ago Share Save Add as preferred on GoogleSonia Kataria ,East MidlandsandIsaac Ashe ,NottinghamSuppliedDerek Poole's family said he loved cars and used to be a grass track racerA 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 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. Michael DavePeople in Selston were asked to avoid the Church Lane area on Saturday nightPoole'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 Details

The family have thanked the local community for its support. 'True legend'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.

What Experts Say

Firefighters stayed at the scene of the fire overnightNeighbours 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 : "There were lots of people out, elderly neighbours were, we assumed, being evacuated. "Everyone was quite scared. "SuppliedThe blaze is being investigated by both fire and policeDet Sgt Millie Gillett said: "This was a tragic incident, and our thoughts remain with the man's family at this difficult time.

The development has drawn wide international attention, with diplomatic circles watching closely.