Stafford fireworks tragedy: Prosecutors handed file on deadly warehouse blaze

It is a year to the day since the large fire at SP Plastics, at Tilcon Avenue, Baswich, on October 30, 2014.

It claimed the lives of 41-year-old father Simon Hillier of Mountside Street, who worked at the warehouse, and 57-year-old father-of-three Stewart Staples of Bond Way, who was a customer.

Staffordshire Police, who have been investigating the blaze, confirmed they had now passed the file of information on to the CPS, which will now consider how to progress with the case.

Detective Inspector Glyn Pattinson said: "A year on from the tragic incident at SP Plastics in Tilcon Avenue, Stafford and our investigation is still ongoing.

"It has been a challenging and lengthy inquiry due to the total destruction of the premises and the volume of witnesses and experts consulted as part of the investigation.

"We have spent significant time gathering evidence and have now submitted a file to the Crown Prosecution Service for them to consider.

"We continue to keep the families of Simon Hillier and Stewart Staples updated on progress."

Family members reacted to the development.

A statement from Simon's parents Lynn and Tom Hillier said: "We miss Simon every single day, but the memory of him will live on in our hearts.

"He was a much-loved son and father whose premature death was a tragic loss of life.

"The incident has left us with so many unanswered questions whilst we await the outcome of the on-going police investigation."

Mr Staples' family added: "It is now a year after Stewart's death and we are still awaiting a conclusion.

"All the family greatly miss him and are still devastated by the loss."

Around 50 firefighters tackled the blaze at SP Plastics. Hundreds of rockets were sent exploding into the sky above the industrial unit.

What was left of the building was demolished and the firm never went into liquidation.

The inquests into the two deaths have been adjourned and are next set to be heard in February.