Blast death driver 'missing man'

Mr Langrell had been missing from home since March

The driver who died when his van exploded as it was being followed by police has been named as a missing man.

Terry Langrell, 42, died when the white Transit van pulled over and burst into flames as police approached it on St James Place in Toxteth.

The driving instructor, from Leasowe in Wirral, had been missing from home and had not seen his family since March.

Officers want to talk to anyone who may have seen Mr Langrell since 12 March or who may know where he had been living.

They would also like to speak to anyone who may have seen the white Ford Transit van, registration number R509 KWR, which Mr Langrell was driving on Wednesday night.

Merseyside Police have confirmed the van contained gas cylinders but have stressed there was no terrorist link.

The officers were approaching the van when it exploded

A patrol car began a "slow pursuit" of the van after an officer spotted the driver "acting suspiciously" in Marmaduke Street, Edge Hill, just before 2200 BST.

When the van failed to respond to signals to pull over, the patrol Pc began a pursuit, joined by other officers until the van stopped on Park Road, Toxteth.

Officers got out of their vehicles and began to approach but an explosion ripped through the back of the van.

A post-mortem examination to establish the cause of death has concluded that Mr Langrell died as a result of extensive burns he suffered.

Three of the five police officers who were injured in the incident are still in hospital with serious burn injuries.

Family statement

In a statement Mr Langrell's parents said: "Our family are totally devastated by the death of our son Terry. It is hard to imagine life without him.

"He was a very private and quiet person. He had strong family values and was thoughtful and generous.

"Terry was a trained scuba diver and has previously enjoyed backpacking around Australia and New Zealand.

"He has worked hard all his life and has spent the last 10 years working as a driving instructor.

"At this time we are finding it very difficult to come to terms with Terry's death.

"We would also like to wish a speedy recovery to the police officers who were unfortunately injured at the time of his death."