Family members pay tribute to firefighters who were killed on duty

Margaret Bannon, the mother of Alan Bannon, 38, said the family had lost a caring father, a loving son and a dear friend who always wanted to be a firefighter.

James Shears' wife Carla said the 35-year-old was a wonderful dad and husband and "our hero". The men died fighting a blaze at the 1960s Shirley Towers in Southampton, Hants, which broke out on Tuesday evening but soon became out of control.

Reports have said the firefighters were found unconscious by paramedics on the ninth floor of the block and one died at the scene and one in hospital.

A joint fire service and police investigation is continuing to find out what caused the fire in flat 72 and how the experienced men, from Red Watch based at St Mary's Fire Station in Southampton, died.

It appears the blaze could have started when a curtain caught fire when it was left over a light bulb, according to local people.

Two other firefighters suffered burns to their hands fighting the fire, which was contained to the one flat. All the residents were evacuated and none of them were injured.

Mr Bannon, from Southampton, was married to Charlotte and father to five-year-old Abigail.

He lived near his parents, Margaret and Patrick, and sister Lin and joined Hampshire Fire and Rescue Service in 2001.

His mother said in the statement: "Alan was an incredible person and managed to cram a massive amount into a short life.

"We have lost a caring father, a loving son and a dear friend. Alan had always wanted to be a firefighter and when he joined the fire service he began living his life-long ambition."

She added: "Abi was the apple of Alan's eye and they absolutely adored one another. He had just spent some quality time with her on Tuesday before going on duty. We are fortunate in that Alan spent his last day with his beloved daughter and friends in the fire service."

Mr Shears, known as Jim, lived in Poole, Dorset, with his wife Carla and two sons aged four and five.

He also lived near his parents, Marilyn and Ed, and brothers Gary, Steven and Chas. He joined Hampshire Fire and Rescue Service in 2003.

Carla Shears said: "Jim was the most wonderful dad and husband. He had always wanted to be a firefighter and was truly our hero."

His father said: "He was the perfect son and son-in-law and we are all going to miss him terribly."