
Fire crews and mourners line streets to honour fallen firefighter Martyn Sadler
Mr Sadler's coffin, draped in the Union flag, was carried atop an aerial ladder platform fire engine through the streets of Bicester in Oxfordshire.
Hundreds of people gathered along the route in respectful silence while uniformed firefighters marched behind the coffin.
Mr Sadler was killed in a fire at the Bicester Motion site on May 15, alongside fellow firefighter Jennie Logan, 30, and local businessman Dave Chester, 57.
The cortege paused outside Bicester fire station at 11am, where firefighters stood to attention for a minute's silence.
It then travelled to the nearby St Edburg's Church where a private service took place.
As Mr Sadler's coffin was carried into the church, standard bearers from across the national fire sector lined a route outside.
Rob MacDougall, chief fire officer of the Oxfordshire Fire and Rescue Service, told mourners that Mr Sadler had just completed 20 years' service when he died, having joined as a cadet aged 14.
His first full-time post was with Berkshire Fire Service before joining the London Fire Brigade in 2022, and he was also a retained fire fighter with the Oxfordshire service.
'Martyn's connection to the fire service, particularly in Oxfordshire, is deeply rooted in his family,' Mr MacDougall said.
'Firefighting was truly in Martyn's blood.
'Martyn's passing has sent ripples far beyond Oxfordshire, and the heartbreak is felt by colleagues across the London Fire Brigade, Royal Berkshire Fire and Rescue Service, and emergency services across the country.
'Martyn's kindness will guide us and inspire us all. His courage, and selflessness of helping others will never be forgotten.
'Let's find comfort in knowing that his legacy will live on through all of us here today.'
His voice cracking with emotion, he added: 'Let's remember his smile, his laughter, and the joy he brought to all of us.'
Mourners sang the hymns Jerusalem, Abide With Me and Amazing Grace during the hour-long service, which was led by Revd Peter Wright.
Mr Sadler's father, Duncan, told mourners: 'Martyn, as your mum and dad, you made us so proud.
'You achieved everything you set out to achieve in your young life and right through to the end.
'The passion you showed towards your career, the passion and love you showed towards your family, your friends and all your colleagues will never be forgotten.
'As a family we miss him every day and he has left a huge hole in our lives, but we are incredibly proud of all that he achieved.'
Mr Sadler's younger sister Kelly told the congregation: 'Martyn, my heart broke into a million pieces that night in May and I am not sure I will ever come to terms with never seeing you again or hearing you shout, 'All right little sis?' as you walk into a room.
'For 20-odd years you ran towards danger when most of us would run away and although I am a little bit mad at you for doing it that night when you weren't even on call, I know that you wouldn't have had it any other way.
'I will make sure that Myla and Bradley never stop waving at 'Uncle Martyn's nee naws' and that we all try to take a leaf out of your book and have the courage to be brave, to have the biggest smile whilst doing so, and to never stop achieving our dreams, just like you did.'
The congregation also listened to Swing Low, Sweet Chariot, which reflected Mr Sadler's love of rugby and his links with Bicester RFC.
At the end of his service Mr Sadler's coffin was carried out of the church to the song Hero, sung by Mariah Carey.
Ten fire crews were called to tackle the blaze, and thick black smoke could be seen rising into the sky.
Two other firefighters sustained serious injuries in the blaze and have been released from hospital.
Thames Valley Police said post-mortem examinations suggested the three victims sustained injuries 'typically caused by the collapse of part of a structure'.
An investigation by the force's major crime unit is ongoing, alongside inquiries by the Health and Safety Executive and fire investigators.
An inquest has been adjourned until November 25.
Tributes poured in after the tragedy, with Mr Sadler's family saying he was 'born to be a firefighter'.
'Coming from a strong, fire service family it was always in his blood, but it was significantly more than that with him, it was his life,' they added.
Books of condolence were opened across Bicester in the days following the fire, and two gold plaques were placed at the scene of the blaze, signed: 'Love from the Bicester community.'
Hashtags

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles


The Sun
10 hours ago
- The Sun
Ancient elite's fingerprint found on LOST seal linked to mystery Biblical doomsday warning and hidden for 2,600 years
END TIMES Experts find a man's name on the ancient artefact believed to be the same person sent on an important mission by the King in Jerusalem A RARE 2,600 year-old clay seal linked to a Biblical scroll that threatened to curse people with hunger and devastation has been uncovered by stunned archaeologists. The exceptionally well-preserved artefact bears a Hebrew inscription and even a visible fingerprint that could belong to the owner. 3 3 It reads "Belonging to Yeda'yah (son of) Asayahu" who is thought to have been a trusted royal official at the time. If true, this links Asayahu to a dramatic moment in the biblical account of King Josiah of Judah, who reigned over Jerusalem for 31 years. According to the Hebrew Bible, a scroll dubbed the "Book of the Law" was rediscovered during King Josiah's time which warned of people's sins and impending divine punishment from God. Those who disobey would be cursed with drought, famine, defeat by enemies and other forms of devastating punishment. It was uncovered in the Solomon's Temple which was undergoing repairs in the late First Temple period - between the late 7th and early 6th century BC - after damage by the Babylonians. Workers stumbled across the ancient scroll, known as Sefer haTorah, and immediately alerted the King. A shaken King Josiah is said to have torn his clothes in fear, before enforcing major religious reforms across the land as a result. A group of trusted officials were urgently sent off to purge pagan practices from Jerusalem, destroying altars, idols, and shrines. And one of those among them was called Asayahu, described as "the king's servant" - the same name cited on the seal. "Obviously, we are not sure that the Asayahu mentioned on the sealing is the same that appears in the Bible," Archaeologist Zachi Dvira told The Times of Israel. Oldest tablet of 10 Commandments found after being used as PAVING STONE "However, several such artefacts found in the area of the Temple Mount carry biblical names, and it does make sense, because these were not objects used by common people." Other factors that make it highly plausible is due to the fact seals like these were reserved for officials of high rank. The object, known as a bulla, was probably used to seal a bag or storage container according to experts. WHAT HAPPENED YEARS AFTER THE SCROLL WAS FOUND? Interestingly, Jerusalem was invaded a few decades after the Sefer haTorah doomsday scroll's discovery. The temple where it was found was destroyed after Babylonian king Nebuchadnezzar and his army breached the city's walls amid a series of campaigns. Many died from famine as the city was cut off from outside supplies and deadly diseases spread. The King at the time, King Zedekiah - son of King Josiah - attempted to escape the city but was captured. He was forced to watch the execution of his sons before being thrown into prison, where he remained until his death.


Daily Mail
a day ago
- Daily Mail
Mysterious fingerprint found on 2,600-year-old seal linked to Biblical doomsday warning
Archaeologists have uncovered a 2,600-year-old clay seal in Jerusalem that may be tied to a biblical warning of impending doom. The artifact, known as a bulla, dates back to the First Temple period and bears an ancient Hebrew inscription that reads: 'Belonging to Yeda'yah (son of) Asayahu.' Even more astonishing, the seal retains a visible fingerprint, believed to have been left by the ancient official who once owned it. Archaeologists believe the name inscribed on the seal may connect directly to a pivotal moment in the biblical account of King Josiah of Judah, who launched sweeping religious reforms after a sacred scroll was discovered in Jerusalem. The scroll, believed to be a version of Deuteronomy, outlined severe curses for disobedience, including famine, war, exile and the devastation of both the land and the Temple. When the contents were read aloud, Josiah was so alarmed by its warnings that he tore his robes and sent a group of trusted officials, including a man named Asayahu, to rid Jerusalem of pagan practices. The newly discovered seal, bearing the name of Asayahu's son, Yeda'yah, offers compelling evidence of a royal official likely active during this critical period. It not only supports the existence of individuals named in the biblical record but also reinforces the historical and spiritual significance of the scroll's rediscovery, an event that marked a turning point in Judah's religious history, researchers said. Archaeologist Zachi Dvira, who co-directs the project, told The Times of Israel: 'Obviously, we are not sure that the Asayahu mentioned on the sealing is the same that appears in the Bible. 'However, several such artifacts found in the area of the Temple Mount carry biblical names, and it does make sense, because these were not objects used by common people.' Marks on the back of the clay seal suggest it was once used to secure a bag or storage container, likely tied with a cord, and the script style places it around the the late First Temple period, roughly between the late 7th and early 6th century BC. That was around the time the Bible says King Josiah of Judah ordered repairs made to the Temple in Jerusalem, which was also known as Solomon's Temple. The order came after the Temple was destroyed by the Babylonians in 586BC. During the renovations, workers uncovered an ancient sacred scroll, Sefer haTorah, which scholars believe was likely an early version of the Pentateuch, specifically the Book of Deuteronomy, an event mentioned in 2 Kings 22:12 and 2 Chronicles 34:20. When the sacred scroll was read aloud to King Josiah, its warnings about the people's sins and the threat of divine punishment left the monarch shaken. The scroll was said to have revealed that the people of Judah had seriously violated God's covenant by worshiping other gods and engaging in pagan practices. A prophetess, mentioned in 2 Kings 22:16–17, confirmed the doom to King Josiah, telling him God would bring disaster on Jerusalem. According to 2 Kings 23, Josiah sent officials out to tear down shrines, altars and high places dedicated to Baal, Asherah, Molech, and other foreign gods, even desecrating them to ensure they would never be used again. Among those officials was a senior figure named Asayahu, described in the Bible as 'the king's servant.' Given his status, scholars have suggested that it is entirely plausible that his son, Yeda'yah, followed in his footsteps and held a high-ranking role in the royal court or Temple administration. The discovery of a clay seal inscribed with the name 'Yeda'yah son of Asayahu' has now sparked excitement among researchers, who believe it may be directly linked to the very events described in the Bible. Experts from the Temple Mount Sifting Project said the connection is highly credible, pointing out that seals like this were typically used only by officials of significant authority. Its discovery on the Temple Mount adds further weight to the theory that Yeda'yah served in a prominent role during the First Temple period. The historical backdrop is equally compelling. Just a few decades after the scroll was found, Jerusalem was invaded by Babylonian king Nebuchadnezzar. The city's walls were breached, the Temple was destroyed, and many residents were killed or taken into exile, including key members of the ruling elite. During the siege, much of the city's food came from royal and Temple storehouses, which were stocked with grain, oil, wine, legumes and honey. These supplies were sealed with pieces of clay stamped with the names of the officials responsible for managing them. One such seal previously uncovered by the project bore the name '[He]zelyahu son of Immer,' an official believed to have worked in the Temple treasury. Now, this newly discovered seal, belonging to Yeda'yah son of Asayahu, appeared to tell a similar story, suggesting he too was responsible for overseeing one of these critical storehouses.


BBC News
2 days ago
- BBC News
Worcester Park fire: Resident 'on high alert' since moving back after blaze
"If I'd found somewhere else I would have gladly moved on," says Agnese De Masi from inside her beautifully furnished flat on the second floor of Richmond is one of three residents who have moved back into a rebuilt property on an estate of American-style houses in Worcester Park, south-west September 2019, a fire ripped though the block of flats in minutes and took 125 firefighters five hours to bring under control. Nothing of the building could be of that blaze are never far away and since March, the fire alarm has sounded multiple times in the night and the newly rebuilt flats have been evacuated twice."We live in fear," she says. Ms De Masi, an interior designer, is still working on the decoration of her flat while she tries to rebuild her life. She was one of 23 households that lost everything on the night of the fire almost six years was uneasy about moving back into the rebuilt Richmond House but hadn't found anything else of a suitable size or location."I don't want to be away from my network of friends, which has been my safety net in the past few years," she the fire, she has suffered anxiety and symptoms of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), so is particularly vulnerable to fire alarm issues in the newly-completed has been activated five times since March, with the London Fire Brigade (LFB) attending on three of those occasions. And residents have been evacuated from the building twice in the night."I had heart palpitations the whole day because obviously the alarm went off during the night, which is exactly what happened the night of the fire," she says."You go to bed and you don't know if you're going to be woken up by another alarm. It's not a pleasant situation to be in." 'Complete lack of empathy' Housing Association Metropolitan Thames Valley (MTVH) is the freeholder and management agent for Richmond House. Ms De Masi says her concerns about the fire warning system were initially not taken feels residents have been given insufficient detail about works to the alarm system and the long gaps in communication show a "complete lack of empathy."MTVH has now addressed some of Ms De Masi's concerns and says it has specialists investigating why the alarm is being activated.A spokesperson said: "We rebuilt Richmond House to the highest fire safety standards, and fully involved residents in the process."In the wake of the fire, the housing association "offered to buy back flats from any resident who wished to move on", and to ease transition back into the building "offered residents a two-month grace period to move back in gradually"."We know how distressing fire alarm activations are for all residents and we particularly understand the anxiety this may cause for those original residents returning to Richmond House. Their safety, and feeling of safety, is hugely important to us and has been our focus both during the rebuild and return to their homes," they added. The first residents of Richmond House had moved in only nine years before it was destroyed. There was a stay-put strategy for those living there, meaning that a fire should be contained in one area, allowing time for emergency services to safely evacuate the the blaze tore through the timber frame in minutes. It was thanks to the quick thinking and bravery of residents helping each other to escape that no one was killed or seriously investigation by LFB and independent experts found serious safety defects. Missing cavity barriers and fire-stopping measures allowed the fire to spread rapidly. 'Inadequate fire safety measures' Ms De Masi was part of a group that brought a £3m damages claim against the original construction firm, St James - a subsidiary of the Berkeley Group - and the Richmond House freeholder, MTVH. They settled out of court for an undisclosed Christian Hansen, a partner at Bindmans which represents the residents, said: "Since the Grenfell Tower tragedy, it's come to light that there are thousands of buildings across the country, which have been constructed with inadequate fire safety measures."He likened the fire in Worcester Park to the Spectrum building in Dagenham, which was destroyed in similar circumstances in August last Hansen said most of the Richmond House residents "suffered traumatic psychological injuries on the night of the fire". "Having to go through a years-long battle with the constructors and the freeholders in their claim for compensation, was in many cases re-traumatising and actually exacerbated the symptoms they were suffering," he Ms De Masi, the years of litigation, consultation on the rebuild and now ongoing maintenance issues have taken their toll."It is a second job. It's a very frustrating second job, for which you don't get paid, you don't get holiday," she said."And it actually ages you because you're constantly trying to get justice and to balance things out. It's very difficult."