Tributes paid as two men charged with murder over Birmingham house fire death

Two men have been charged with murder in connection with the death of 37-year-old Daniel Gardner after a house fire in Birmingham's Highters Heath in the early hours of Friday. Emergency services were called to the blaze at a property just before 1:10 a.m., and Gardner was found badly injured and taken to hospital, where he died a short time later.

Stephen Dale, 47, of Birmingham, appeared at the city magistrates' court yesterday charged with murdering Gardner. He has been remanded in custody ahead of another hearing today, West Midlands Police said. Police have also arrested an 18-year-old man on suspicion of murder; he remains in custody.

Daniel's family described him as a devoted son, daddy, brother and nephew. They said the pain and devastation are unbearable and that he gave everything and never expected anything in return. They added that they take comfort in the thought that he is now with Nan and Grandad and will be looked after again. The message ends with the family promising to carry on without him and expressing their ongoing love.

West Midlands Police said their thoughts remain with Gardner's family at this tragic time and that they are offering them full support as the investigation continues. They urged anyone with information or footage that could help inquiries to call 101, quoting log 174 of 19 September, or contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

The investigation into the fire in Highters Heath continues as detectives work to establish the sequence of events that led to Gardner's death. Police have not yet released a motive, and both suspects remain in custody as court proceedings proceed in due course.