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Bobbington house fire: Tributes to pensioner killed in 'tragic accident'

Tributes have been paid to a pensioner who died in a house fire, which has been described as a 'tragic accident'.

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The victim, named locally as Colin Dunn, who was aged in his 70s, died in the blaze on Sunday night in his garage on Six Ashes Road in Bobbington, near Wombourne.

Neighbours have described how Mr Dunn was a well-known and well-liked member of the village, having lived there with his family for nearly four decades.

Emergency services rushed to the scene at 6.50pm on Sunday, to reports of a blaze with people trapped.

On arrival they found the property's garage well alight, with one man inside. Despite their best efforts, he was declared dead at the scene.

Sgt Lee Wareing of Staffordshire Police said: "This fire is not being treated as suspicious. Witness accounts indicate it was a tragic accident but we need to establish how the blaze started.

"The scene presents complications as there has been damage to the structure of the building. Unfortunately, we anticipate it will be a few days before we have concluded our examination of the scene."

Yesterday the property remained cordoned off, with sheets covering the front of the garage while the roof has been completely destroyed by the fire. Smoke damage was also visible up the side of the house.

A police forensic team and fire service investigators were in attendance, while several police cars and two fire engines remained at the scene. A report is being prepared for the coroner.

A neighbour, who did not wish to be named, said: "We both moved in about 38 years ago, so I've known him for a long time. He was a good friend. It is terrible."

Another resident on Six Ashes Road said: "He's lived in the village for a long time. I know he used to be a hairdresser.

Another villager added: "He was a lovely man."

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