Man charged with murder following Lenton fire

Derby Grove fire house

Nottinghamshire Police have launched a murder investigation after 55-year-old Christopher Bonnick was killed in a fire in his home on Derby Grove, Lenton.

Police have charged Sekou Soumare, 56 and also of Derby Grove, with his murder.

Bonnick was evacuated from the home by fire-fighters and was taken to the Queen’s Medical Centre but died shortly after the injuries he sustained.

Officers and fire chiefs have launched an investigation into the cause of the fire which has significantly damaged the lower floor of the property.

William Conder, a student who lives on Derby Grove said: “We saw all the commotion going on outside and when we walked outside there were about 20 fire men and we saw a man taken out burnt all over.”

Video: Students, Alex Wray and Katie Fitzgerald, describe their experiences

Three fire engines attended the scene until around 3pm on Sunday and the street was cordoned at both Derby Road and Ilkeston Road junction as the incident was dealt with.

The cordons were removed on Monday although crime scene investigators and a fire investigation dog were present.

Katie Fitzgerald, another student living on Derby Grove, said: “This is mainly a quiet student street and everyone seems really friendly – so to have something like this happen was really shocking.”