A man and two firefighters who died in a major fire at a former RAF base in Bicester have been named by police.

Firefighters Jennie Logan, 30, and Martyn Sadler, 38, died after explosions were heard at Bicester Motion on Thursday, Thames Valley Police said.

David Chester, 57, from Bicester, was also killed, the force added.

Police said both firefighters worked at Oxfordshire Fire and Rescue Service (OFRS), and Mr Sadler was also part of the London Fire Brigade.

Thames Valley Police say the families are being supported by specially trained family liaison officers.

Two further OFRS firefighters suffered serious injuries and are in hospital, Oxfordshire County Council said previously.

Assistant Chief Constable at Thames Valley Police, Tim Metcalfe, said: “This is an absolute tragedy and my thoughts and the thoughts of everyone at Thames Valley Police are with the families, friends and colleagues of Jennie Logan of the Oxfordshire County Council Fire and Rescue Service, Martyn Sadler of the London Fire Brigade, and member of the public, David Chester, who have died in this incident.”

Ten fire and rescue crews were called to tackle the blaze at 6.39pm, which prompted a major response and warnings for local residents to stay indoors.

The fire and rescue service is still at the scene, dampening down the fire.

Police officers will continue to be at the scene for a number of days to ensure the public remains safe.

They are carrying out an unexplained death investigation, led by their Major Crime Team, but say it is currently not a criminal investigation.

The Lord-Lieutenant of Oxfordshire, Marjorie Neasham Glasgow, said the King would want to “pass on his sincerest condolences to all those affected”.

Members of the public started to lay flowers and tributes at the scene of the fire on Friday.

Prime Minister Keir Starmer described the deaths as “devastating news," adding: “The bravery of our firefighters is astounding. Hoping those in hospital make a full and swift recovery.”

Following the announcement from Thames Valley Police, Daniel Geoghegan, CEO, Bicester Motion, said: “The last 24 hours have been tragic in so many ways.

"For the families of those we have lost, the incredible and brave emergency services who have worked tirelessly, our team who has worked relentlessly and the wider Bicester and Oxfordshire community which has shown the most generous support and kindness.

"I wanted to first pay tribute to the three lives that have been lost.

"To Jennie Logan and Martyn Sadler, the two firefighters who so bravely tackled the scene. The epitome of selfless service.

"We extend our heartfelt condolences to their families and loved ones. They have gone above and beyond under unprecedented circumstances. No words can ever make up for what has happened, but they are all very much in our hearts.

"And to Dave Chester, who ran Chesters & Sons his family business, who has had a long history with the estate - indeed from man and boy.

"He joined us 12 years ago when we first bought the site and, with his wife and two sons, has been a pillar of our whole business community.

"We considered him a member of our team, part of the fabric of our estate and a friend to us all.

"Whenever you had a question, you would 'just ask Davenot just him but his whole family as they all cared about this place just as much as we do.

"Our whole community used to say that 'Dave always had our back,' yesterday he was doing just that – the epitome of his selfless spirit.

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"We will cherish you Dave and you will be sorely missed, and we send our utmost love to Sue, Jordan and Riley.

"We continue to pray for the two firefighters in hospital.

"Today we mourn together as a whole community and as an extended family.

"We will always remember with love those who selflessly served.

"Thank you everyone for your support."

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