It is with great sadness that I am tonight having to announce the post mortem results for two of our firefighters.

Firefighters James Shears, and Alan Bannon, were part of the firefighting team involved in operations at the Shirley Towers flat fire in Southampton on Tuesday, April 6.

These two men risked their lives to save others and as a result gave their own.

I would like to express my sincerest condolences to all of James and Alan’s friends and colleagues within the Service, they will be sadly missed by us all.

The post mortem examination was carried out by a Home Office pathologist at Winchester Hospital on Thursday, April 8.

It was found that Firefighter James Shears, 35, died as a result of exposure to excessive heat

It was also found that Firefighter Alan Bannon, 38, died as a result of exposure to excessive heat

Both mens’ families have been informed and a date is yet to be set for the opening of the inquests.

If any member of staff is approached by the media seeking more information then please refer them to the Marketing and Communications department as they are co-ordinating the multi agency response on behalf of the Strategic Co-ordinating Group at Netley Police headquarters.