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Man found dead in Cannock fire

A man has been found dead at the scene of a caravan fire in Staffordshire. The blaze destroyed the caravan in Shoal Hill, Cannock and spread to a nearby wooden shed.

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A man has been found dead at the scene of a caravan fire in Staffordshire. The blaze destroyed the caravan in Shoal Hill, Cannock and spread to a nearby wooden shed.

Staffordshire Fire and Rescue Service said today it was believed the fire had been started deliberately.

The body of a 44-year-old man was found.

Today it appeared the caravan was located on land behind White Cottage, which neighbours said was being rented by a Polish man with two young children who visited him there. No-one was present at the address.

The remains of the caravan and charred trees could also be seen and neighbours told how they saw plumes of smoke and heard reports of an explosion coming from the scene.

Fire service spokeswoman Sarah Collis, said the alarm was raised at 2.23pm yesterday. Twelve firefighters from Brewood and Penkridge attended and remained at the scene until 8.04pm.

Chris Williams, who lives in Sandy Lane, said: "The road was closed off and there were several fire engines, police and what looked like a private ambulance but I'm not sure.

"I'm not sure what happened. My next door neighbour but one phoned the fire and said he heard an explosion."

A horse owner who was visiting her horses in a neighbouring field saw the fire unfold. The woman, who did not want to be named, said: "I came down and could see the smoke in the fields. At first I thought someone was having a bonfire, but as I got further down I could see it wasn't just a garden fire.

"It looked as though the fire was coming from the whole field and I was concerned about the horses."

Faye Casey, spokeswoman for Staffordshire Police, said: "Police are not treating to death as suspicious.

"Next of kin have been informed and a file has been prepared for the coroner."

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