Police investigation into into fatal Bicester fire 'not criminal'
Thames Valley Police is carrying out an unexplained death investigation after three people were killed last week
Last updated 20th May 2025
Thames Valley Police says it's not currently treating its enquiries into the fatal fire at Bicester Motion as a criminal investigation.
The force say they have now taken over the scene from Oxfordshire Fire and Rescue Service.
On Thursday night (15 May), a major incident was declared following the fire at the site in Buckingham Road.
Firefighters Jennie Logan and Martyn Sadler and member of the public, Dave Chester, died.
Two other firefighters also suffered serious injuries and remain in hospital in a stable condition.
The fire service has brought the fire under control and made the area safe so that police can now investigate.
Police have confirmed the major incident status has now been removed, as the operation moves from a rescue to a recovery phase. There is no information that there is anyone else in the building.
Assistant Chief Constable Dennis Murray said: “Firstly, the thoughts of everyone at Thames Valley Police remain with the two injured firefighters, their family, friends and colleagues as well as the family, friends and colleagues of Dave Chester, Jennie Logan and Martyn Sadler.
“We have now taken primacy for the incident and our Major Crime Unit is carrying out an unexplained death investigation. I want to reiterate that this is currently not a criminal investigation; however, we will follow the evidence as our enquiries continue.
“The building is currently being assessed by structural engineers to understand whether it is safe to allow our officers and partners to carry out examinations at the scene. We will be supported by the fire service in trying to establish the cause of the fire.
“I would like to thank all of our partners who have been involved in responding to this tragic incident.”
This comes as tributes continue to pour in for those killed.
David's family say he was a "hero" and "he died the way he lived – helping others and putting them ahead of himself".
More than eleven thousand pounds has been raised in memory of the two firefighters.
The fundraiser was set up by Bicester Rugby Club - which both Jennie and Martyn were members of - with the money going to the Fire Fighters Charity.