Mortar discovered at scene of fatal property fire

Decommissioned mortar and flammable chemicals have been found at the scene of a fire where a man died.

A man in his 80s was airlifted to hospital with what proved to be fatal injuries after the blaze at a property on Oak Avenue in Sandhurst, Berkshire, on Friday.

Police and fire crews remained at the scene to carry out investigations and discovered the mortar - which a specialist team has now safely destroyed - during a search of the site on Tuesday.

The force, which said it was also working on removing the chemicals, said the death was being investigated as unexplained but was not believed to be suspicious.

Det Supt Andrew Penrith, of Thames Valley Police, said: "This was a sad incident and our thoughts are with the family of the man who died."

He added: "Yesterday during searches of the property as part of the investigation officers found what was thought to be a decommissioned mortar.

"The [explosive ordnance disposal team] attended yesterday as a precaution and disposed of the mortar.

"Additionally some flammable and potentially hazardous chemicals have been located and we are working to remove these safely.

"Our priority is the safety of the wider public and those attending the scene. We do not believe there is a wider danger to the public, and evacuation of residents is not required.

"Officers and other agencies are likely to be at the property for some time to make sure the property is safe.

"There is no ongoing criminal investigation".

The coroner has been informed.

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