News Tributes paid to garage blaze boys
Tributes have been pouring in for the two boys tragically killed in a suspicious garage fire at Holme on Spalding Moor last week.
Daniel Allan (14) died in the flames and Ryan Steels, also 14, died two days later at Alder Hey Hospital in Liverpool as a result of his injuries.
It is believed that the boys went into the garage at an empty property on Chestnut Drive in Holme for shelter after becoming cold on a camping trip in a nearby field. The sports-mad pair had become inseparable over the past six months and they spent a huge amount of time pond fishing and taking part in other sports.
Daniel's family said in a statement: "Our son Daniel was such a devoted, loving, caring, polite and friendly boy, who was and will always be loved and cherished by our family and his friends of all ages.
"His tragic death has left a huge void in the lives of our family and the lives of so many others. We are all going to miss the hugs and kisses that Daniel was so forthcoming with. There was never a night went by when, after getting ready for bed, he would always give the tightest hug and biggest kiss followed by a big smile for all those in the room at that time.
"Well known as Dan the Man by many people, he had a number of interests which included bowls, golf, basketball, fishing, music and helping his grandad with bingo for the elderly each week at a care home in Pocklington, where he became very popular with residents.
"He would often ask elderly neighbours if he could assist them with odd jobs."
His family also stated that Daniel often brought a smile to the face of his nana, visiting her in her nursing home in York with his mum Michelle, sister Bethany and brother Kieran.
Michelle fondly remembers Daniel and Ryan's love for the Kaiser Chiefs and Nickleback, as they would both sit on the sofa, mobiles in hands, arms raised, going through their chair dance routines.
She said: "This made everyone around them giggle and created a happy atmosphere. Daniel was one of life's special people, with the ability to cheer you up just by being around you. This has been confirmed by the tributes that have been posted at school, in floral tributes, cards and messages on websites.
"We would like to thank everyone for their kindness and support through these difficult times. Special thanks must go to all the children for the kind words, poems and posters they have produced which confirm just how popular Daniel and Ryan were in the local community and beyond."
Daniel's father, Morgan Allan (50), said: "Golf will never quite be the same without my pal. I am really going to miss playing golf with him and sharing the banter we had."
Daniel also played bowls at Melbourne Bowling Club, which he was introduced to by his grandparents. He played at club and county level and made many friends at the other clubs he visited.
Daniel's family said: "This has been and is still a very difficult time for us, but we are not alone in grieving at this time and we would like to express our heart felt condolences to Ryan's family.
"We would like to thank Humberside Police, fire and ambulance services for the caring, compassionate way in which they have all carried out their duties and our special and heartfelt thanks must be given to our family liaison officers without whom we would not have been able to get through the last few days."
Ryan's parents, Martyn and Julie Steels and his siblings Scott (19), Hannah (18) and Stephanie (16), also said in a statement: "We would like to thank our friends and family for their support. Our thoughts are also with Daniel's family. Ryan is sadly missed by many.
"We would like to thank everyone at York District Hospital and Alder Hey Hospital who helped Ryan. We would also like to thank our family liaison officers, the fire fighters and the air ambulance. All of them could not have done any more for us or Ryan.
"We would also like to thank the Ronald McDonald House at Alder Hey, the people there looked after us so we could concentrate on Ryan and not have to arrange somewhere to stay."
Police are still appealing for information following the fire in the early hours of Saturday, May 17. Officers have been talking to the boys' school friends and people who spoke to the boys online as they try to piece together what happened in the time leading up to the fire.
People can text information to officers on 07875545908 and also contact police on 0845 6060 222 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
DCI Mark Oliver said: "We need people to help us find out what happened. Please contact us if you have any information."
Published on 29th May 2008 in News.
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