DAD KILLED IN CANNABIS FIRE
FULL STORY, PAGE 5
A MAN died after a cannabis filled barn caught fire.
The body of dad Daniel Price, 42, was discovered following the inferno in Loose last Friday.
Emergency services were called to Forstal Farm at 3.20pm and alerted that a man was trapped inside the blazing steel-framed outbuilding.
By 5pm, six fire engines were at the scene battling the flames and attempting to rescue Mr Price.
But four hours later his body was discovered and paramedics pronounced him dead just after 9pm.
Kent Police confirmed that the barn, which also contained hay, was being used to grow drugs. Hose pipes and UV lights were found.
Neighbour Maureen Jopson, who lives in Stockett Lane, said: “It’s such a terrible way to go. His kids now have no father. I didn’t know him particularly well, but he and his family are acquaintances and have always been friendly.
“The atmosphere the next morning was very grim. No one deserves to go like that. On the night there were emergency services everywhere. It took a good few hours to put out the flames.”
The 42-year-old’s death is not being treated as suspicious but the Police and Kent Fire and Rescue Service are investigating what sparked the blaze.
Investigating officer DS Neil Kimber, from Kent Police, said: “We are not looking for any suspects. In terms of a criminal investigation, we have no evidence of any third party involvement.”
An inquest, opened and adjourned on Wednesday at Archbishops Palace, Maidstone, said Mr Price, who lived on the farm, died from severe burns and smoke inhalation.