The Voice of Spalding and South Holland
A murder investigation has been launched as police officially named the man who died in a fire in Whaplode Drove.
Vincent Markham, 51, died in the blaze in Farrow Road, Whaplode Drove, reported shortly before 1am on Sunday morning (August 7).
A 36-year-old man has now been arrested on suspicion of his murder.
A spokesman for Lincolnshire Police, said: “
We have launched a murder investigation after a man died at a property in Farrow Road, Whaplode Drove, Spalding.
Emergency services were called to reports of a fire at a bungalow in Farrow Road, at 1.03am on Sunday 7 August.
Vincent Markham, aged 52, of Farrow Road, died at the scene. A joint investigation was launched with police and fire and rescue.
A man, aged 36, has been arrested on suspicion of murder and the investigation is progressing.
Assistant Chief Constable Chris Davison said: “Our thoughts are with Mr Markham’s family.
“Our investigations are ongoing, and we are trying to piece together what has happened. We are appealing for anyone who was in the area at around the time the incident took place, or anyone who may have dashcam footage or CCTV of this area, to contact us. We would like to hear from anyone who may be able to assist with our investigation and would encourage them to call us or to report information anonymously via Crimestoppers.’
“We have arrested one man on suspicion of murder, and he remains under arrest at this time.
“We remain in the local community carrying out enquiries and providing support to the local community.”
Farrow Road neighbours Penny Chaplin and her husband Mike were woken after hearing a girl banging on doors for someone to ring 999 after seeing the building was alight while on her way home from a wedding reception.
Mike rushed out to help spending over an hour providing support without noticing he wasn’t wearing any shoes while Penny made cups of tea for the five fire crews in attendance.
She said: “We just saw the flames rising above the roof.
“My husband went to the man who had been in the fire, but it was clear he was already beyond help.
“He sat with him until the ambulances came.
“The man who had tried to help said he’d got burns up and down his arms.
“He went around the corner and laid on the grass.
“The girl who spotted it all but who couldn’t get any phone reception to ring the emergency services was also in shock.
“You don’t expect to see those scenes in a village like this as it’s usually so quiet.”
A statement released by Mr Markham’s family on social media said family asked they be left to “grieve and come to terms with this tragic news”.
Lincolnshire Police and Lincolnshire Fire and Rescue said on Tuesday it was still not known how the fire started.
A force spokesman said they had received reports of an explosion and are appealing for anybody who may have more information to come forward.
A spokesman said on Monday: “We are investigating following a house fire where a man has sadly died.
“Despite the best efforts of emergency services and members of the public who offered assistance, a man in his 50s was sadly pronounced dead at the scene. His next of kin have been informed.
“Another man who is thought to have been passing by the property and offered his help suffered burn injuries and is currently receiving treatment.
“The cause of the fire is under investigation, and we are keeping an open mind as experts from Lincolnshire Fire and Rescue Service investigate. We would encourage people not to speculate while we investigate the cause.
“Anyone who saw or heard anything, or captured the incident on doorbell camera or dashcam is asked to contact us.”
Anyone with information is asked to contact Lincolnshire Police on 101 quoting incident number 43 of August 7 or email force.control@lincs.police.ukadding quoting the incident number in the subject line.
- The fire in Pit Lane, Gedney Drove End was reported at 6.35pm on Saturday, August 6.
Seven fire crews including from as far as Boston, King’s Lynn and West Walton in Norfolk attended after a bonfire got out of control.
It completely destroyed the end terrace house, damaged the next door home and cut off electricity to the other end terrace, though thankfully nobody was reported injured.
One neighbour who didn’t wish to be named, said: “I just saw the flames rising into the sky.
“I tried to ring 999 but the fire had already taken the telegraph pole.
“The family in the middle terrace got out and the elderly couple at the end were quite traumatised.
“The fire service were really good and got here quite quickly.”
- A large wildfire also broke out west of West Pinchbeck on Monday night near Dunsby Drove.
That was caused by a baler catching fire and put out with the help of local farmers.
- Amid the continuing dry spell, Lincolnshire Fire and Rescue has urged people to be careful with the area having seen double the number of wildfires in the last four months compared to the same period last year.
There were 607 fires between April and July, with 314 in that month alone, compared to 286 in the same period last year.
Lincolnshire Fire and Rescue is urging residents to also do their bit including never throwing a cigarette end out of a car window or fully extinguished before they’re disposed of and putting glass or bottled rubbish in covered bins.
Chief Fire Officer for Lincolnshire, Mark Baxter, said: “The weather continues to be hot and dry with no signs of this changing in the coming weeks. We are asking the public to please consider whether any kind of fire outdoors is appropriate – in most cases they are not.
“We would ask people not to have campfires or barbeques in the countryside. At home barbeques should only be used on a designated hard-standing area away from fences, sheds, buildings or hedges.
“It’s disappointing that, we are still seeing residents having bonfires in their gardens, which has led to several serious fires, despite continued warnings.
“This increase in call outs is being seen across the country but puts a strain on both our Control Room staff and our crews – all of whom have coped incredibly well during this busy time.”
