U.S. Airman, Son Die in Christmas Day Fire
DENNINGTON, England — A U.S. serviceman and his 3-year-old son were killed early Friday when fire spread through their home, police said.
Police identified the victims as aircraft engineer Andrew Dereki, 24, from the nearby Bentwaters Royal Air Force Base, and his son, Michael. Dereki’s hometown in the United States was not known, and a base operator said no one was available to answer questions.
The fire started in the kitchen and caused extensive smoke damage, police said. The cause of the fire was unknown but not suspicious, according to police in this town 85 miles northeast of London.
Ray Harvey, a neighbor, said Dereki’s wife left him several months ago and the village had rallied to help the family.
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