Fatal park home fire 'affects whole community'

Fifty firefighters were called to the Lady Bailey Residential Park on Monday

A parish councillor has said the aftermath of a park home fire that killed an 80-year-old man is "going to affect the community for a while".

Eleven fire engines and 50 firefighters responded to the blaze at Lady Bailey Residential Park in Winterborne Whitechurch, Dorset, on Monday.

Dorset Police said the man's death was not being treated as suspicious and investigations into the cause were ongoing.

Winterborne Whitechurch councillor Liam Deeney has launched a fundraising campaign in support of the affected residents, which had reached over £1,000 by 12:00 BST.

"Unfortunately, one of the residents passed away and the adjoining property was razed to the ground," he told BBC Radio Solent.

"I've been up there since and there's no frame, there's no brickwork, it's flat - there is nothing left."

He said the next home along had also lost a wall.

"From talking to people there, we had 40ft (12m) flames and the gas canisters in the heat started exploding."

The village hall was opened to support those displaced.

'Small community'

"When residents had to go to hospital with burns and leave their dogs behind, we cared for the dogs - one phone call and I had a dog bed, dog food, dog treats, everything.

"Sandwiches were bought along, people made cakes... people just pulled together."

He added that one resident who had managed to get out during the fire had lost everything and would "need to start from scratch".

"And of course the family who lost somebody in the fire - if they would accept it - we'd like to help with the funeral costs as well," Mr Deeney said.

"We are a small community and the people who've lost everything need probably more than just the residents of Winterborne Whitechurch can provide, so we really would appreciate donations."