A MAN has told how he watched helplessly as a caravan was engulfed in flames with his neighbour inside.
The body of a 62-year-old man, believed to be stonemason Dave Clyens, was found inside the burned-out static caravan at Clyens and Son monumental masons in east Hull.
The Mail understands Mr Clyens, who owned the stonemason firm, had been living in the caravan in the workyard for the past four or five years.
Firefighters were called to Crowle Street at about 9am but, even by the time they arrived just four minutes after the emergency 999 call, the caravan had been engulfed by an inferno.
The body of Mr Clyens was discovered inside after they brought the fire under control quickly and put out the flames. He was confirmed dead at the scene.
Jim Bell, who runs Jim Bell Coaches next to the stonemason's yard, told how he was helpless to save Mr Clyens from the blazing caravan.
He said: "There was smoke coming over the building.
"I didn't think anything of it at first because Mr Clyens has a wood-burning stove in his work shop.
"But I decided to go round and have a look and the caravan was ablaze.
"It was like an inferno and no one was getting in there.
"I had a good idea he was inside but we just couldn't do anything other than call the fire service.
"Firefighters arrived within just a few minutes but it was still too late.
"It was a real shock to come across that."
Mr Clyens had run his masonry business from the Crowle Street site, off Hedon Road, for about 17 years. His only employee arrived for work only to discover firefighters tackling the blaze.
Mr Bell paid tribute to his business neighbour.
He said: "We have been neighbours for about 15 years when we moved here. He was just a normal, nice guy who would often come in here for a chat.
"He was a good neighbour to us and, when he was living on site, he would also keep an eye on our premises for us.
"It is a real shame what has happened."
An investigation, involving Humberside Fire and Rescue Service and Humberside Police, to establish the cause of the fire has been launched.
The fire service's area manager Nick Granger confirmed the intensity of the blaze meant there was no chance of saving Mr Clyens.
He said: "Initial reports were that one individual was trapped inside the caravan. The fire was extinguished very rapidly.
"One individual was found to be inside the caravan and was confirmed dead at the scene.
"A joint fire investigation is taking place utilising fire and police staff and a cause will be established.
"The crews arrived on scene quickly and managed to save much of the external structure of the caravan but internal damage was severe."
Forensic teams remained on site for much of the day sifting through the caravan remains and the workshop.
