Bicester fire live updates: Starmer leads tributes after two firefighters and member of public killed in blaze at RAF base

If you’re just joining us, we are reporting live updates after it emerged three people, two firefighters and a member of the public, have been killed after a huge blaze at a business complex in Bicester Motion, Oxfordshire.

Here’s what you need to know:

• Two firefighters and a member of the public have been killed following a fire at a former RAF base in Oxfordshire.
• Two other firefighters are seriously injured as a result of the blaze which broke out at Bicester Motion last night
• Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has led the tributes for the firefighters this morning, describing their deaths as ‘devastating’
• Oxfordshire Fire and Rescue Service said they were ‘mourning the loss’ of two colleagues and would provide further information
• Residents have reported hearing multiple explosions at Bicester Motion, which is home to car restoration and engineering businesses
• The cause of the fire is not known at this stage and the identities of the three people killed have not been released

The Fire Brigades Union has said it will investigate the blaze at Bicester Motion following the deaths of two firefighters.

The Fire Brigades Union is aware of a tragic incident at Bicester, in which one member of the public and two firefighters have been confirmed dead.

Our thoughts are with their family, friends and colleagues. The Fire Brigades Union will provide whatever support is required in the days ahead, and in time we will investigate what happened.

Julie Stocker saw the flames from her bedroom window and described the deaths as “devastating”.

The 46-year-old, who lives across the road from Bicester Motion, said:

We could hear the crackle of the fire and then obviously the various explosions and stuff. (The smoke) was going very high. It was a mixture of white smoke and then really thick black smoke.

We were praying that obviously no-one was injured, but sadly that’s not the case. It’s devastating.

The stay-at-home mother said she is concerned about her relatives living in Bicester where the ‘potentially hazardous’ smoke was blown.

Another resident who lives near Bicester Motion said she thought the ‘popping’ noises were gunshots and described the deaths as ‘very sad, very shocking’.

The woman, who did not want to be named, said:

When we looked out the window … obviously it was a fire. But later on, there were like proper explosions.

She said her neighbours were packing bags in case they were evacuated from their homes.

The huge fire broke out at one on the buildings on the business complex at Bicester Motion in Oxfordshire.

Formerly known as Bicester Heritage, the site is home to over 50 specialist businesses, which focus on classic car restoration and engineering.

In 2013, Bicester Motion acquired the former airfield at RAF Bicester, a former air base which was used by the military until 2004.

Historic England say the iconic airfield is ‘the most complete and strongly representative example of an RAF airbase’ in the country.

Bicester resident Nav Jordan, 39, said she was ‘really worried’ when she could see smoke from her garden.

Speaking to the PA news agency, she said:

We were actually in the garden with the kids and then all of a sudden we saw the flames glowing up at the back, and we did wonder what it was.

We were quite concerned if it was one of the houses over there, because we know all the neighbours and everyone in the local area. So, my husband went for a walk just to go have a look and just saw the flames sort of going up.

You could hear the crackling, it was loud. There were a few explosions as well. Sounds of things exploding, which is when we worked out it must have been Bicester Heritage.

Oxfordshire Fire and Rescue Service said it would provide more information about the fatal fire at Bicester Motion.

In a statement, chief fire officer Rob MacDougall said:

It is with a very heavy heart that we today report the loss of two of our firefighters. Families have been informed and are being supported. Our thoughts are with them at this most difficult of times and we ask for privacy to be respected.

We cannot release any details at present but will provide further information as soon as we can.

MailOnline has approached the fire service and Thames Valley Police for further comment.

Vikas Talwar, 40, who lives in a housing estate near Bicester Motion, said he could see the fire from the street corner outside his house.

There was a lot of smoke yesterday. Lots of people were gathering here on the corner but a lot of smoke was coming out. There was flames on the roof, on the top of the roof, and a huge big cloud of smoke in the air. I could see it from this corner near my house.

Speaking of those who died in the fire, he added:

It’s so sad. It’s very heartbreaking. We have sympathy with the people involved. I can see there was a quick reaction by the fire brigade and ambulance teams when they came in. I saw the air ambulances in the air in the evening.

Labour former minister and Oxfordshire MP Anneliese Dodds paid tribute to the firefighters who died in the line of duty as she spoke in the House of Commons.

Since I have been in the chamber, I have received some truly awful news that three people died last night in a fire in Bicester, including two members of the Oxfordshire Fire and Rescue Service. The Member for Bicester (Calum Miller, Liberal Democrat) has had to leave the chamber to liaise with those on the ground.

We both want to take this opportunity, if I may, to convey our deep sorrow and solidarity with the families of those who have died, and our fervent and heartfelt best wishes to the two firefighters who remain in a serious condition. We’re grateful for their heroism and that of their colleagues when, as ever, they run towards danger to serve us all.

In a statement, Mr Miller said:

I am heartbroken to learn that three people lost their lives in the fire yesterday at Bicester Motion. My deep condolences go to the family and friends who are now grieving their loss.

I want to pay tribute to the bravery of our firefighters and emergency services. It is terrible that two fire officers have lost their lives in the line of duty. The death of colleagues will be felt by all in the fire service family and I am holding them in my thoughts. This is a devastating moment for our community. I know it will express its support and care for all those affected.

Bicester Motion, formerly known as Bicester Heritage, is based at the former airfiend which is now home to over 50 specialist businesses, which focus on classic car restoration and engineering.

In a statement, the company described the bravery of emergency services as ‘overwhelming’ as they said they were ‘deeply saddened’ by the three deaths.

We are deeply saddened to share the tragic news that two firefighters and a close friend of the site have lost their lives. There are no words at times like this, but our thoughts and prayers are with their families and loved ones. We pray for the two firefighters in hospital.

The bravery shown by the emergency services teams has been overwhelming. We are grateful for all the support and especially the exceptional work by all in such unprecedented circumstances.

The strength and kindness of the Bicester community, of which we are proud members, has truly shown itself. The site will remain closed over the weekend as we continue to work closely with the emergency services.

Oxfordshire residents claimed they heard ‘multiple explosions’ after fire broke out at Bicester Motion last night.

Kieran McGurk, a product director who lives opposite, also reported hearing ‘loud bangs’ as he saw clouds of dark smoke fill the sky.

As we walked home and got closer to the smoke it seemed to get blacker and we heard the sirens.

Multiple fire engines and police cars went past us and as we got to the corner at the bottom of the road ash started to fall and you could see the sheer scale of what was happening.

Loud bangs have been constantly going off and multiple helicopters are still circling the site.

Sir Keir Starmer has paid tribute to the two firefighters who died while tackling a blaze at a former RAF base.

‘Devastating news’ the Prime Minister wrote on X.

My thoughts are with their families and friends. The bravery of our firefighters is astounding. Hoping those in hospital make a full and swift recovery

Here’s the top story currently on MailOnline

by Shannon McGuigan and Olivia Christie

Two firefighters and a member of the public have been killed after a huge blaze ripped through a former RAF base near Bicester Village last night.

Witnesses said they heard multiple explosions and clouds of dense black smoke could be seen for miles following the inferno at Bicester Motion in Oxfordshire.

In an update issued this morning, Oxfordshire Fire and Rescue Service said they were ‘mourning the loss’ of two colleagues killed in the blaze at the motoring and aviation heritage site.

Another two firefighters were also seriously injured and are currently in hospital.

Hello and welcome to MailOnline’s live coverage as it emerges two firefighters and a member of the public have been killed following a fire at a former RAF base in Oxfordshire.

Around ten fire crews were scrambled to tackle the flames at Bicester Motion after they were called to the scene at 6.39pm and some remain on the scene this morning.

Oxfordshire County Council has confirmed three people, two firefighters and a member of public, have died.

Stick with us for the latest updates on this developing news story.