'An infectious character': Speedway clubs pay tribute to caravan blaze victim Clive Molloy

Clive, believed to be in his early 70s, was described as a 'lovely man' by friends and neighbours on the St James' Caravan Park in Featherstone, who said they were shocked by his sudden death in the early hours of Monday.

Tributes have also been flooding in from the world of speedway. The machine examiner was said to be a key figure at Wolverhampton's Monmore Green Stadium.

Wolverhampton Wolves Speedway said they were "saddened to learn of the passing of Clive Molloy, an integral part of our backroom team at Monmore Green.

"We would like to pass on our sympathies to Clive's family at this very sad time."

Birmingham Brummies also issued a statement, saying: "Clive spent the majority of his years as machine examiner at Wolverhampton's Monmore Green Stadium but was also a hugely popular figure at Perry Barr too.

"He was a man who loved his speedway, loved praising the riders if they'd had a good night and would be keen to pick their heads up if they'd had an off night.

"He was an infectious character who would also go out of his way to do a favour for anyone.

"Clive will be sadly missed in the speedway community."

Emergency services were called to the New Road caravan park shortly after midnight on Monday. Investigators have now revealed that the blaze was caused by an electric blanket.

Fire investigation officer Tim Hollingworth said: "We cannot stress enough the importance of ensuring that your electric blanket is safe to use. The consequences of using older or faulty blankets can be devastating."