Silence to mark Atherstone-on-Stour firefighter deaths

The warehouse fire at Atherstone-on-Stour happened in November 2007

A two-minute silence has been be observed at fire stations across the country on the third anniversary of the fatal fire at Atherstone-on-Stour.

Crews observed the silence at 1928 GMT to mark the deaths of four firefighters from Warwickshire.

Three of the firefighters' bodies were found at a vegetable packing plant. Another man died in hospital.

Twelve people have been arrested over the fire and are due to answer bail early next year.

Warwickshire's Chief Fire Officer Graeme Smith said firefighters would be reflecting on the years that had passed and the impact the loss of colleagues has had on the service.

Formal parades were held at both Stratford and Alcester as a mark of respect.

The bodies of Ashley Stephens, 20, John Averis, 27, and Darren Yates-Badley, 24, were found in the charred remains of the factory.

Ian Reid, 44, died in hospital after the fire.

Mr Stephens and Mr Yates-Badley were based at Alcester fire station.

Mr Reid and Mr Averis were based at Stratford-upon-Avon.

Ten people were arrested on suspicion of gross negligence manslaughter and two were arrested on suspicion of misconduct in a public office.