Detectives investigating a fatal fire in Brierley Hill have named the victim as Margaritis Xhindi.
Mr Xhindi, aged 43 from Albania, sadly died following a fire at a cannabis factory at a unit on Premier Trading Estate, Leys Road at around 7:30pm on 4 June.
Two men were pulled from the blaze, Mr Xhindi died the following day (5 June) and the other man, aged in his 20s, was taken to hospital but later discharged.
Mr Xhindi’s family have paid tribute to their loved one: “Margaritis was a loving son, brother and wonderful father of three children.
“He had worked very hard most of his life to provide for his family.
“Margaritis has touched the hearts of everybody who knew him and Police are devastated with the sad news.”
WMP believe both these men had been trafficked into the UK from abroad and were effectively being held against their will. The unit, used to grow cannabis on an industrial scale, was locked meaning these men had no way to escape the fire, which tragically lead to Mr Xhindi’s death.
Police are continuing to work closely with the fire service and their specialist investigation team to establish the cause of the fire, a full forensic examination of the scene is taking place.
Detective Inspector Jim Mahon, from our homicide team, said: “Mr Xhindi’s death is simply tragic. We’re working with colleagues from the fire service to establish the cause of the fire. “We’re also in the process of carrying out a detailed forensic examination of the scene to try and identify who was involved in the cannabis grow and as part of this, we’re carrying out an extensive CCTV trawl of the area.
“A drone was flying over the unit when the fire first broke out and we’ve now spoken to the owner who is assisting us with our investigation.
Superintendent Jason Anderson of Dudley Neighbourhood Policing Unit said: “My thoughts remain with Mr Xhindi’s family at this desperately sad time. “Local officers continue to support detectives leading this enquiry anyway we can.
“Drugs cause harm in our communities and we continue to work tirelessly to prevent organised criminality and the exploitation of vulnerable people in this way.”
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