A man has died following a van fire which left a Winchester road closed and a primary school in lockdown.
Emergency services were called to Winnall Manor Road on Wednesday after residents heard a “loud bang” and witnessed a van ablaze outside their homes.
The incident occurred during the afternoon, with Hampshire Police and the fire service attending the scene.
It was later confirmed by police that a man in his 40s from Winchester, who had been inside the vehicle when the fire broke out, died at the scene. His next of kin have been informed, and the coroner has been notified.
Recommended reading:
-
Major emergency response descends on Southampton street after high rise fire
-
Bail extended for teens arrested after assault of man outside pub
-
Man, 30, arrested after two teens attacked and have sweets stolen
Police say there are “no suspicious circumstances” in relation to the man’s death or the fire itself, but enquiries into the incident remain ongoing.
A Hampshire Police spokesperson said: “We are now in a position to confirm the fatality connected with this incident. A man in his 40s, who was in the vehicle during the fire, sadly died at the scene. His next of kin are aware and police have informed the Coroner. There are no suspicious circumstances identified at this time in relation to the death or the fire, and police enquiries remain ongoing.”
Police thanked local residents for their patience and support while emergency services managed the scene, and they continue to appeal for information from anyone who witnessed the incident or has relevant footage.
The police spokesperson added: “We thank the public for their patience and assistance whilst emergency services dealt with this incident, and continue to urge people not to post any images or videos online of the incident. If you have any information or have captured any footage of the events leading up to the fire which could assist our enquiries, please report these directly to police by calling 101 quoting incident 1330 of May 20 or report information to us online.”
Winnall Primary School, located on the same road, was placed on lockdown as a precaution.
A resident who witnessed the events said: “We heard a loud bang and the van was on fire. It happened right outside our flat.”
The fire service confirmed it was called to Winnall Manor Road at 3pm to assist police. Crew members were seen working at the scene, but the fire service left after dealing with the vehicle fire. However, a police cordon remained in place to enable further investigation.
Share