Firefighters have joined hundreds of people in Oxfordshire for the funeral of Martyn Sadler, who died in the line of duty earlier this year.

Mr Sadler, 38, was killed in a major fire at the Bicester Motion site in May, alongside fellow firefighter Jennie Logan, 30, and local businessman Dave Chester, 57.

His coffin, draped in the Union flag, was carried through the streets of Bicester in Oxfordshire on an aerial ladder platform fire engine as he was given a full ceremonial fire service funeral on Thursday.

Hundreds of people gathered along the route in respectful silence while uniformed firefighters marched behind the coffin.

Firefighters stood to attention for a minute’s silence as the cortege paused outside Bicester fire station at 11am before travelling to the nearby St Edburg’s Church for a private service.

Ten fire crews were called to tackle the blaze, and thick black smoke could be seen rising into the sky.

Two other firefighters sustained serious injuries in the blaze and have been released from hospital.

Thames Valley Police said post-mortem examinations suggested the three victims sustained injuries “typically caused by the collapse of part of a structure”.

An investigation by the force’s major crime unit is ongoing, alongside inquiries by the Health and Safety Executive and fire investigators.

An inquest has been adjourned until 25 November.

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After the tragedy, Mr Sadler’s family said he was “born to be a firefighter”.

They added: “Coming from a strong, fire service family, it was always in his blood, but it was significantly more than that with him; it was his life.”

Books of condolence were opened across Bicester in the days following the fire, and two gold plaques were placed at the scene of the blaze, signed: “Love from the Bicester community.”