'Devoted family man' and 'terrific dad' Families tribute to men killed in Fireworks blaze
THE families of the two men who died at a fireworks warehouse in Stafford have spoken of their devastation today.
Simon Hillier, 41, and Stewart Staples, 57, were identified by police today as the two men who perished in the horror blaze at the SP Plastics industrial unit in Stafford.
Mr Hillier's family described him as a "fantastic son and brother and a terrific dad."
While Mr Staples was a "devoted family man," according to his family.
Mr Hillier's family said in a statement: "Whilst we are still waiting for a formal identification to be made, as a family we are resigned to the fact that we will not see Simon again.
"We are all very proud of his sporting achievements and in everything else he did in life.
"He was a fantastic son and brother and a terrific dad, we all miss him dearly."
It has emerged that Mr Staples, a married father-of-three and grandfather - worked as a laboratory manager at Staffordshire County Council.
His family said: "Stewart Staples was a devoted family man with a wife, three children and a young grandson.
"He was raised in Great Wyrley, a Cannock Grammar schoolboy, before going on to Bradford University to study Civil Engineering.
"He worked for Staffordshire County Council Highways Department for 26 years, lately as the Laboratory Manager and Geotechnical Expert.
"He was a keen golfer and a member of Brocton Golf Club.
"He was also a member of the RSPB and Staffordshire Wildlife Trust. He was a lifelong Walsall football team supporter. One of his favourite things was to walk over Cannock Chase with his family.
"We as a family are totally shocked and devastated about Stewart's death. We need to come to terms with the tragic loss of someone who was a devoted and much loved family man.
"We ask that the press respect our wishes to grieve alone in peace."
Detectives believe Mr Hillier was working at the site, while it is thought Mr Staples was a customer. Both men are from Hednesford.
Mr Hillier was a kickboxer who trained youngsters at the Featherstone Kickboxing Club in Wolverhampton, according to reports.
A post on the club's Facebook page said: "To all students, I know some of you have heard what has happened to a very close dear friend of ours who goes by the name of Simon Hillier.
"Others may have not tho, we have no official details on what happened at the explosion last night that he was involved in. During this difficult time we hope you can respect our privacy. Our thoughts and prayers go out to his family."
Another message said: "Can't even describe the heartache of losing this legend of a man!
"Great man, great friend & of course a great fighter. You'll be missed by those who knew you and loved you... SIMPLY THE BEST, gone but never forgotten, love you always."
Superintendent Ian Coxhead said: "Sadly, our inquiries have placed both men at the scene when the fire started.
"Our sympathies remain with the families involved and we're doing everything we can to help them at this distressing time.
"It is believed Simon was working at the premises while it's thought Stewart was a customer."
He said the "dangerous scene" remains cordoned off while fire service and police investigators continue their probe.
Mr Coxhead said: "We anticipate this will be a lengthy and complex investigation, our work to establish the cause of the fire is going to take considerable time.
"We've been able to reduce the size of the cordon and hope that all neighbouring businesses will have access to reopen on Monday.
"Officers at the scene will keep the affected community updated."
The industrial unit off Tilcon Avenue, which is just a few hundred yards from 150 homes, had been used to store what police described as "a significant volume of fireworks".
However, the local council confirmed there have been "no safety issues" with SP Plastics, and it had been licensed to sell fireworks for four years.
Dramatic footage of the fire showed thick plumes of smoke and bursts of fireworks exploding in all directions from the building - a scene described as "horrendous" by bystanders.
