Hangar's 'sensitive demolition' after fire to begin

A specialist contractor has been selected to sensitively carry out the works to ensure minimal disruption

The months-long demolition of a Grade II listed building is set to begin today following a devastating blaze that took the lives of two firefighters and a member of the public.

The remaining structure of Hangar 79 at Bicester Motion business park is set for "sensitive" demolition due to a devastating blaze on 15 May, when firefighters Jennie Logan, 30, and Martyn Sadler, 38, died along with father-of-two Dave Chester, 57.

Their funerals have taken place in the weeks since the tragedy.

The demolition process will last about four months and comes after discussions with Historic England, Cherwell District Council and health and safety experts.

Firefighters Martyn Sadler and Jennie Logan were honoured with funeral processions in Bicester, while the funeral for Dave Chester took place in Tackley

The local authority had issued a demolition notice and a specialist contractor was selected for their experience and capability to sensitively carry out the works to ensure minimal disruption.

Historic England previously said the famous airfield was "the most complete and strongly representative example of an RAF airbase" in Britain.

Last month police, fire and Health and Safety Executive investigation work at the scene concluded.

Mr Sadler and Ms Logan were honoured with funeral processions in Bicester on 31 July and 14 June, respectively.

The funeral for Mr Chester took place in Tackley, on 8 July.