10:53am Wednesday 21st July 2004
By Local London Reporter
The mayor and London fire chiefs have paid tribute to two firemen who died fighting a blaze in Bethnal Green yesterday.
Bill Faust and Adam Meere were seriously injured battling a three-floor shop fire on the Bethnal Green Road in the early hours of the morning.
They were taken to the Royal London Hospital but died soon after arrival.
More than forty firefighters were involved in tackling the blaze, which police are treating as suspicious.
Ken Livingstone yesterday spoke of his sympathy for their families' "tragic loss".
"This sad news serves as a reminder to us all of the tremendous work and sacrifice being made by these dedicated individuals on a daily basis," he said.
Fire Commissioner Ken Knight and Val Shawcross, chair of the London Fire and Emergency Planning Authority also spoke of their sadness.
"This is a tragic day for all the fire service. I am immensely proud of the professionalism of the London Fire Brigade and in particular these two brave firefighters who so tragically lost their lives. We are working to support their colleagues and families," Mr Knight said.
Ms Shawcross added that the thoughts of all Londoners were with the firefighters' relatives.
The Health and Safety Executive has been informed of the deaths.
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