Tributes have been made to Belvoir lettings agent James Clark, aged 23, who was one of the victims gunned down by cab driver Derrick Bird in Cumbria last week.
The reasons why Bird went on the rampage, randomly killing a total of 12 people in towns and villages around Whitehaven before finally turning the gun on himself, is still a matter of speculation being investigated by the police.
Mr Clark was employed by husband and wife team, Colin Belton and Pamela Schure who purchased Belvoir West Cumbria in 2006 after selling their sawmill in South Africa, ironically to embark on a new career that would allow them to raise their family in a safe, peaceful environment.
In a statement issued yesterday the shocked couple said: “We are all utterly devastated by the death of James Clark yesterday in Seascale. It is difficult to put into words the profound sense of shock and loss that we are feeling.
“James was one of our letting agents and an asset to our company. He moved up to Cumbria with his fiancée Leanne and had been with us at Belvoir now for nearly two years. He was outgoing, cheerful and very friendly and a highly valued member of our team.
“Our sympathies go out to Leanne and James’s family. At aged just 23 this is a tragic loss of a young life.”
Mike Goddard, CEO of Belvoir said: “Everybody at Belvoir is deeply shocked at the tragic loss of this young and outstanding employee.
“James had worked at Belvoir Whitehaven for two years and was at work at the time, returning from a viewing in a branded vehicle when he was fatally wounded.
“This was a senseless killing and tragically it would seem that he was just in the wrong place at the wrong time as he went about his daily work.
“Our thoughts and prayers go out to James’ family and his fiancée and friends, as well as his colleagues in Cumbria who are understandably devastated, but at the same time incredibly resourceful and brave.
“Our Operations Director drove to Whitehaven as soon as the news broke and the team at Central Office in Grantham is offering our condolences and support to Franchise Owners Pamela and Colin.”
• Buy to let landlords in Surrey are being offered a new outlet for their rental properties following the announcement that agents John D Wood & Co. has opened a new lettings department in its Cobham office.
Laura Finnieston has been appointed as lettings manager. She has six years experience in prime residential areas of Surrey and Berkshire, handling residential lettings to both corporate and private tenants.
Finnieston said: “At present there is extremely high demand for properties to rent in Cobham and the surrounding areas. With rental properties in short supply, we currently require more stock to satisfy corporate and private demand.”
