The video will start in 8 Cancel

Have the top stories straight to your inbox for free - once a day, every day Yes please! Thank you for subscribing We have more newsletters Show me See our privacy notice Invalid Email

People living near a garage workshop which was gutted in a blaze at the weekend have been rallying to his support.

A crowdfunding campaign has been set up in an effort to help John Lorriman, who has run the business, in Harrison Road, Belgrave, for around 40 years.

Video footage shows flames tearing up into the night sky as firefighters battle to contain the blaze at the garage, near the junction with Gipsy Lane.

(Image: Alan Thompson)

Firefighters set up a 200-metre exclusion zone around the building and evacuated two neighbouring homes due to the risk of explosion from acetylene tanks inside the workshop.

The blaze at the garage, run by Mr Lorriman, said to be in his 70s, which started late on Friday (Nov 1) night, also destroyed his collection of vintage motorbikes which he still raced.

The cause is believed to be accidental.

Video Loading Video Unavailable Click to play Tap to play The video will start in 8 Cancel Play now

Now, Cathy Kennel has set up a gofundme page to help the popular mechanic.

She said: “John Lorriman has been a local mechanic in Harrison Road, Leicester since 1982.

“On Friday 1st November a fire ripped through his garage completely destroying the building, equipment and all of his treasured motorbikes inside.

“He has lost everything. But all the while his livelihood was going up in flames, his main concern was for the neighbour next to his garage and the men who work with him being out of a job.”

She added: “John is well known in the area and is a lovely and honest man. I’ve set up this fundraiser in order to try and do something to ease the agony he is going through.”

(Image: Leicester Mercury)

His sentiments were echoed in comments posted on the LeicestershireLive website.

One said: “ John has been doing this business for several years and his garage was his heart and home. Living near the garage it's absolutely heartbreaking to see this last night.”

Another said; “This poor man bless him i hope he manages to re build his buisness.”

A third posted: “So sad john your a good man wish this never happened i am sorry we are all thinking of you.”

To donate to the appeal, visit:

https://www.gofundme.com/f/help-for-john-lorriman