Horror as body found inside charred caravan after fire at Devon landfill as cops probe

The body of David Stephen Britton, 66, was found on October 30 at Dittisham Landfill Site in South Devon, an inquest has heard. His remains were found inside a destroyed caravan

The owner of a recycling centre in South Devon was discovered dead by police following a caravan fire, an inquest has heard. The body of 66-year-old David Stephen Britton was found on October 30 at Dittisham Landfill Site near Dartmouth.

An inquest into his death has been opened at County Hall in Exeter. Senior Devon coroner Philip Spinney confirmed Mr Britton’s address as Mizzen Court, Portishead, Bristol, Somerset.

On October 30, police received a report of a fire at the landfill site which had occurred on October 27. A friend of Mr Britton had been unable to get in touch with him. The caravan where Mr Britton resided was found to have been destroyed by fire and human remains were discovered inside. Investigations confirmed the body was that of Mr Britton and he was declared deceased on October 30.

Investigations are ongoing, the coroner confirmed. The cause of death is yet to be determined, reports Devon Live.

The inquest was adjourned and a full hearing will take place at a later date.

A spokesperson for Devon and Cornwall Police confirmed: “We are investigating the cause of a fire at a property in rural Dittisham, Dartmouth which occurred on Monday 27 October.

“Officers were alerted to the incident on Thursday 30 October following concerns for the welfare of a local man. Remains were located at the scene, and these have been confirmed to be human.

“The cause of the fire is currently unknown, but we are working closely with our colleagues in the fire service to establish the full circumstances but at this time is not being treated as suspicious.

“A cordon and scene guard remains in place while officers carry out enquiries at the scene.

“If you have any information which may assist us, please contact 101 quoting log 210 of 30/10/25.”