Fatal house blast probe must wait

May 8 2008

Forensic experts may have to wait until Friday to gather evidence into what caused a massive explosion that left a man dead.

Murder squad detectives believe the blast, which left two other people suffering serious injuries, may have been sparked deliberately.

The explosion demolished three terraced properties in Stanley Road, south Harrow, north-west London. Shocked neighbours dug through smoking rubble with their bare hands after the explosion shook their homes.

Structural engineers continue to work to make the remains of the properties safe so the victim's body can be removed.

A Metropolitan Police spokesman said officers from the force's homicide and serious crime command are keeping an open mind about the cause.

Police were originally called after reports of a gas explosion, but engineers could find no faults with the mains supply.

The spokesman said: "The cause of the explosion has yet to be determined, however it is being treated as suspicious at this early stage. Officers await the premises to be declared safe before they can enter or the body can be removed."

At least 40 people will remain in temporary hotel accommodation as recovery work continues.

Chris Mote, leader of Harrow Council, said Stanley Road may not be reopened for another five or six days. He said: "Whatever way you look at it, it's a tragedy. It makes it all the more poignant when someone is killed.

"All the response services have worked very well together and we've managed to look after everybody who's needed it."