Leamington Spa fire: Man missing named as David Boswell

Warwickshire Police have named the man missing since the Leamington fire as 52-year-old David Boswell.

David Boswell, from Leamington Spa was working at Leeson Polyurethanes on 27th August when the fire started and has not been seen since.

For safety reasons, investigators have been unable to access and search the scene.

The police force says it is now presumed that David lost his life in the fire.

David’s family, friends and colleagues have paid tribute, describing him as kind, helpful and an inspiration to others who always put a smile on the face of everyone he met.

David’s parents, Christine and John Boswell said “We have lost a dearly loved son who was kind, helpful and will be sorely missed.”

Carol Fureed, David’s partner said” It is with great sadness to announce the loss of my soulmate of 26 years. Dave used to brighten anyone that was feeling down with his jokes. He always knew how to have a good laugh. He had a heart of gold and lived for his family, friends and his passion for fishing. Hope you catch the big one in heaven Dave, until we meet again, love you forever.”

The large fire, at an industrial estate, prompted the evacuation of surrounding properties.

Emergency services were called to a fire at a premises on Juno Drive, in Leamington Spa today (27th August).

Plumes of smoke could be seen and road closures were put in place.

The fire and rescue service urged people to keep windows and doors closed, but after air quality checks by health officials - the advise was changed.

Local Labour MP Matt Western said he heard the fire may involve chemicals from a plastics business unit.

On Friday, ITV News Central spoke to two eyewitnesses at the scene.

Local resident Shehnaz Khan, 29, lives about a mile away and said she did not hear the initial explosion but quickly noticed the smoke.

She said: "Popped into the garden, looked up and (saw) clouds of smoke bigger than anything I've seen before in Leamington.

"Leamington is such a quiet town, nothing like this ever happens at all...I've lived here nearly 30 years, since I was born, and it's the quietest town.

"There's so much smoke, honestly... it just looks like it's gone all the way up to the clouds."

Public Health England for the West Midlands previously urged caution.

In a tweet, they told people in areas affected by the smoke to stay indoors.