Tributes have been paid to an 18-year-old hospice volunteer who is among five people believed to have been killed in an explosion in Leicester.
Leah Beth Reek, from Melton Mowbray, is officially listed as missing by police along with four other victims of Sunday’s blast, including her boyfriend Shane Ragoobeer.
In a statement, the LOROS Hospice, which serves Leicestershire and Rutland, confirmed she had recently been nominated for the Lord-Lieutenant’s Young Volunteer of the Year award for her work.
The statement read: “It is with great sadness to hear that Leah Reek is one of those missing following the incident that took place in Hinckley Road, Leicester.
“Leah had been volunteering at LOROS since September 2017, as part of our Day Therapy Team and was known for her bubbly personality and sense of humour.
“She worked hard and her passion for committing to pursue a career in the health sector was clear, with the patients’ needs always at the forefront of her work.
“She will be greatly missed by all of her colleagues at LOROS. Our thoughts are with her family and friends at this extremely sad time.”
The scene of the explosion on Hinckley Road in Leicester (Aaron Chown/PA)
The principal of Long Field Academy in Melton, Ms Reek’s former school, said she was “an incredibly friendly, proactive and bubbly character who was really popular amongst her peers and staff alike”.
Chris Haggett added: “She will be fondly remembered and we send our heartfelt condolences to her family and friends at this incredibly tragic time.”
Shane’s mother, Mary Ragoobeer, 46, and his brother Sean, 17, are also listed as missing, along with 22-year-old shop worker Viktorija Ijevleva.
Fire crews located five bodies in the ruins of the flat and shop premises in the hours after the explosion and fire.
Leicestershire Police are working to formally identify the victims and the relatives of all five missing people have been informed.
Prayers have been said for all those affected by the tragedy at the school attended by Sean Ragoobeer.
The head of the English Martyrs’ Catholic School, Marius Carney, said in a letter to parents: “We have held Masses for all those caught up in the tragedy and prayed for the emergency services.
“One of those named, Sean Ragoobeer, is a student in the sixth form. Sean was a highly committed student in addition to studies who gave his talents with exceptional generosity to the community life of the school and he was a greatly loved friend.
“At this time we also pray for the survivors of the incident and all who have been affected.”
Ms Ragoobeer worked at the King Richard III Visitor Centre in Leicester.
Iain Gordon, visitor centre director, said: “Mary has been a popular member of the cafe team at the visitor centre for the past two years.
“We are all deeply shocked and saddened by this terrible tragedy and our thoughts and prayers are with her husband and family at this very difficult time.”