Police seek workers from fatal explosion site

Paul Swales, aged 85, was killed in the blast

Workers on a building site close to where a house explosion killed two people have been asked to contact the police.

Paul Swales, 85, and Julia Harris, 84, died after an explosion and fire at a property on Cleat Hill in Bedford on 19 October.

The incident happened near to where a natural gas leak occurred in July last year after a borehole was drilled to install a heat pump.

Bedfordshire Police want to speak to anyone who worked on the construction of a bungalow to the rear of the property between July and October.

Fifty households were evacuated after the blast in October

Following the explosion, 50 homes were evacuated in the immediate area.

Some of those residents stayed in a hotel paid for by the local council, which also provided food vouchers.

Det Insp James Day from Bedfordshire Police said: "If you were a worker on the building site and we haven't already spoken to you, or know of anyone who was working there, please get in touch with us.

"You may have information that could assist our investigation."