Firefighters remembered after warehouse blaze deaths

The four firefighters died 18 years ago

Tributes are being paid to four Warwickshire firefighters who died in a fire at a warehouse on the anniversary of their deaths.

Darren Yates-Badley, Ashley Stephens, from Alcester, and Ian Reid and John Averis from Stratford-upon-Avon, died after entering a burning warehouse in Atherstone-on-Stour in 2007.

Up to 100 firefighters were sent to the blaze, which raged for 12 hours. The men were reported missing and three bodies were later found in the burned-out building, with Mr Reid dying in hospital.

Warwickshire Fire and Rescue Service said it would mark the 18th anniversary by lowering station flags to half-mast from 19:28 GMT on Sunday until sunrise on Monday.

"We will never forget them, and the service will continue to recognise their ultimate sacrifice in keeping our communities safe," a fire service post on social media said.

Warwickshire County Council, which is responsible for the county's fire service, was subsequently fined £30,000 after pleading guilty to failing to ensure the health and safety of its employees.

Two fire officers were cleared of manslaughter charges in 2012.