Tributes to mother and son who died in early morning fire at their Oswestry home
Tributes have poured in to a mother and son - both described as major supporters of community groups - who died in a fire at their home yesterday.
Musician Alan Metcalfe and his mother, Eileen, have been named locally as the two who lost their lives after the blaze ripped through their bungalow in Glentworth Close, Oswestry, in the early hours of Wednesday morning, leaving neighbours in shock.
Firefighters rescued them from their burning home after being called at 4.20am before they and other emergency services worked desperately to give the pair life support.
However, the man, described by Shropshire Fire & Rescue Service as in his 50s, died at the scene while the woman, said to be in her 80s, was confirmed dead at Royal Shrewsbury Hospital.
Mr Metcalfe was a talented brass musician and a long serving member of Porthywaen Silver Band, as well as having played for Wem Jubilee band.
The band committee has paid tribute to both Mr Metcalfe and his mother, saying thoughts were with their family and friends.
A floral tribute was left at the bungalow while band members and supporters also took to social media to pay tribute to them both, saying they were both committed to the band.
Mr Metcalfe was also the vice chair of the annual Oswestry Youth Music Festival.
Festival organiser Sue Turner said: "It is very sad news. Eileen was also a festival volunteer for over 40 years. We plan to create a new trophy in their name."
Mr Metcalfe was also involved in the Oswestry Twinning Association.
His commitment to Oswestry saw him honoured by the Town Council when he was given an outstanding achievement award.
Town clerk at the time, David Preston, said: "Alan was the most decent and humble friend or colleague you could wish for. His passion for music and Porthywaen Band encouraged so many young people to enjoy and share his hobby.
"Alan was a huge supporter of the Youth Music Festival and whatever he did you just knew that Eileen would be there to support and help. The same applied to twinning. He was given an Outstanding Achievement Award by the Council a few years ago for his service to to the town and no one deserved it more. The wider Oswestry community will so miss these two community champions who touched so many lives."
Fire investigation officers and the police spent much of yesterday at the bungalow as the investigation into the cause of the blaze began.
Area Manager Adam Matthews said: “This was an extremely tragic incident that will undoubtedly be felt throughout the community. Our thoughts and sympathies are with the man and woman’s friends and family at this extremely difficult time.
“Firefighters worked tirelessly to help the individuals involved but sadly there was nothing more they could do. Officers are still at the scene and fire investigation is now under way to determine the cause of the fire.”
Neighbours expressed sadness at the tragedy.
One person living nearby said: “I heard a large bang at about 5am but I couldn’t see anything. It is so sad, what a dreadful tragedy.”
One neighbour said: “It is such a terrible shock. This is a very quiet area and for something so dreadful to happen is just awful.”
