Blast man’s family ‘just can’t imagine life without him’

Aug 4 2007 by Caroline Innes, Liverpool Daily Post

THE family of a man who died after the van he was driving blew up after a police chase have said it will be “hard to imagine life without him”.

Terry Langrell, 42, died when the white Transit van pulled over and burst into flames as police approached it on St James Place, in Toxteth.

Police said the driving instructor, from Leasowe, in Wirral, had been missing from home and had not seen his family since March.

In a statement released last night, his family said: “Our family are totally devastated by the death of our son, Terry.

“It is hard to imagine life without him. He was a very private and quiet person, who kept himself to himself.

“He had strong family values, and was thoughtful and generous. He was particularly close to his brother and sisters, and took great pleasure in buying gifts for them.

“Terry was a trained scuba diver and has previously enjoyed backpacking around Australia and New Zealand.

“He has worked hard all his life and has spent the last 10 years working as a driving instructor.

“At this time, we are finding it very difficult to come to terms with Terry’s death.

“We would also like to wish a speedy recovery to the police officers who were unfortunately injured at the time of his death.”

Officers now want to talk to anyone who may have seen Mr Langrell since March 12, or who may know where he has been living.

They would also like to speak to anyone who may have seen the white Ford Transit van, registration number R509 KWR, which Mr Langrell was driving on Wednesday night.

Merseyside Police have confirmed the van contained gas cylinders, but have stressed there is no terrorist link.

They said they have yet to interview the five police officers who were injured as they approached the van immediately before it exploded.

Three of the five police officers who were injured in the incident are still in hospital with serious burn injuries.

No comments have been made by police as to speculation that the explosion was part of an elaborate suicide bid and whether a search for another body had been launched after witnesses reported hearing the man shout: “She’s dead.” The dramatic events began when a police patrol car began a “slow pursuit” of the van after an officer spotted the driver “acting suspiciously” in Marmaduke Street, Edge Hill, just before 10pm on Wednesday.

When the van failed to respond to signals to pull over, the patrol PC began a pursuit, joined by other officers until the van stopped.

Officers got out of their vehicles and began to app- roach, but an explosion ripped through the back of the van.

Mr Langrell died as a result of extensive burns he suffered.

carolineinnes