Bedfordshire Police have issued a fresh appeal for information as part of their investigation into a fatal explosion at a property in Cleat Hill, Bedford, last October.
Emergency services were called to the scene at around 7.30am on Saturday, 19 October 2024, following reports of a house fire. The incident occurred just months after a major gas leak in July, which occurred during the installation of a ground-source heat pump at the property.
Two people lost their lives as a result of the explosion. Paul Swales, 85, died at the scene, and 84-year-old Julia Harris, who was taken to hospital with life-threatening injuries, passed away ten days later.
Read: Woman becomes second victim of Cleat Hill explosion
Detectives are now urging anyone who worked on the building site in the grounds of the property, particularly the bungalow under construction to the rear, between July and October 2024 to come forward.
Detective Inspector James Day 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.”
The Health and Safety Executive has joined the investigation, which remains ongoing in partnership with the Coroner’s Office.
Anyone with information is asked to contact Bedfordshire Police on 101 or online, quoting Operation Quickdraw.
