Hampshire Police appeal for amateur film of Shirley Towers fire

Officers want to hear from any residents who have mobile phone footage of Tuesday nights fire in which James Shears and Alan Bannon died.

They also confirmed that the two friends, who were serving at St Mary's station in Southampton, were found inside Flat 72 of Shirley Towers.

One of the pair was pronounced dead at the scene at 9pm while medics desperately tried to resuscitate the other all the way from the scene of the fire to hospital.

However, he was pronounced dead at Southampton General Hospital at 10.35pm.

Assistant Chief Constable Steve Dann, police commander for the incident, said yesterday: "Officers from Hampshire police are conducting an investigation into the circumstances which tragically led to the loss of the life of two firefighters, and working closely with Hampshire Fire and Rescue Service.

"It is progressing well, and we hope to be able to reduce the scene down to just the immediate area around the flat where the fire occurred within the next 24 hours, which will enable most residents affected to return to their homes.

"The investigation has a number of strands, and the inquiry team is now being assisted by officers from the West Midlands Fire Service and London Fire Brigade, who will provide advice and guidance in support of the police.

"This will enable a timely investigation to be completed. We don't anticipate being in a position to release any further information with regards to the police investigation until it is concluded.

"This investigation is the same as we would conduct into any work-related death, and has particularly technical circumstances. It would be reasonable to expect that it will take some time to complete, and we will report our findings as soon as we are in a position to do so."

Anyone who has video or mobile phone footage of the incident in Church Street is asked to contact the major crime department, quoting Operation Carrageen, on 101.