Tributes to ‘lovely man’ who died in outbuilding blaze

TRIBUTES have been paid to a man who died in a fire in an office outbuilding in his garden.

The victim, named locally as Tony Garnier, 44, was found dead in the outbuilding in the rear garden of the property on Woodhouse Lane at Brighouse.

West Yorkshire Police officers were called to the address shortly after 8.15am on Tuesday following a ‘concern for safety’ report.

Police said an outbuilding at the property had been reported to be on fire.

A force spokesman said: “The body of a man in his 40s was found a short time later inside the (outbuilding) property. He was pronounced dead at Join us for a starry night of brass bands and choirs, carols and sing-along favourites together with some of TV’s top stars – all in aid of helping to beat blood cancer. A Circle Seat at the Royal Albert Hall for ‘Christmas with the Stars’ (ticket upgrades available) A short panoramic London sightseeing tour Shopping and sightseeing in London One night’s bed and continental breakfast accommodation in the Greater London area Coach travel from the local area Escorted by a friendly tour manager These holidays are organised & operated by Newmarket Holidays Ltd. ABTA V7812. Subject to availability. Single supplements apply. Standard phone charges. Woodhouse Lane at Brighouse where Tony Garnier was found dead after a fire broke out in an outbuilding in his back garden the scene.”

Police inquiries into the circumstances are ongoing but the death is not being treated as suspicious.

Neighbours described Mr Garnier as a ‘lovely man’ and a ‘nice bloke’ who was well known locally.

One neighbour, who did not want to be named, said: “He was a very nice man, a nice bloke. He was French and had two children.”

It is believed that Mr Garnier was a teacher who specialised in teaching English, French and Spanish. He had worked in France and England.

An inquest is expected to be held into the death in due course.

A spokesman for West Yorkshire Fire & Rescue Service said firefighters attended the property after receiving a call to the control room at 8.14am on Tuesday.

The spokesman added: “This was a fire involving an outside single storey wooden building in the garden of the property.

“Sadly a man in his 40s was found deceased inside.

“Three fire engines from Rastrick and Huddersfield fire stations attended. A fire investigation officer has since attended the scene to look into the cause of the fire.

“Whilst investigations are ongoing, the cause of the fire is not believed to be suspicious.

“The Fire Service will assist the coroner in establishing the full circumstances surrounding the death.”