Man dies just hours before his birthday after flat gutted in horror fire
Russell Hendren was known to be a keen fisherman
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A 53-year-old man died in a horror blaze in Paisley just hours before his birthday.
Russell Hendren, known by the local community as 'Big Ses Hendren', died after his flat on Lang Street caught fire at around 5pm on August 18.
A long-time friend of the Briton paid heartbreaking tribute to him, saying: "I am gutted because he was one of the few good ones left down here.
“He never had a bad bone in his body.
Tributes have poured in for the father-of-two
"Ses was a legend in Seedhill. He lived in a close knit community and was respected by everybody and had respect for others - he would give you the jacket off his back.
"He was a master of fishing and the knowledge he had was unreal.
“He was the biggest animal lover I have met and like Sir David Attenborough of the east end.
"If he knew you, he wouldn't walk past you and was well-loved."
Speaking to Glasgow Live, he added: “He usually went out for walks around that time and would pass my house so I was hoping he had been out for his evening walk (when the flat was on fire)."
Hendren was a keen fisherman and was known for his love of animals by his family, friends and neighbours.
His loss has had a devastating impact on those who knew and loved him.
Paying tribute, Audra McFarlane said of the tragedy: "Was all through school with Russell. He was a great ,funny guy from a lovely family. So sad."
Another tribute from Freda Mcnab wrote: "May this poor soul rip."
Hendren's block of flats where the tragic blaze took place
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Police Scotland have confirmed Russell's death is not being treated as suspicious.
A spokesperson said: “Around 5pm on Friday, 18 August, 2023, we were called to a report of a fire at a flat on Lang Street, Paisley.
“Emergency services attended, and the body of a man was found within.
“Enquiries are continuing to establish the cause of the blaze."