A suspected gas explosion at a village bungalow which killed two people has shocked the community, according to the parish council chairman.
A suspected gas explosion at a village bungalow which killed two people has shocked the community, according to the parish council chairman.
Emergency services were called to The Street in Lidgate, near Newmarket, around midday on Tuesday after multiple explosions from the back of the village property.
Two people were killed in the incident and the back of the bungalow was completely destroyed by fire.
Mother and daughter Pamela and Julie Tierney are understood to reside at the village address.
Police said significant structural work needs to be undertaken to make the building safer and once this has been completed, the process of search and recovery will begin.
Police and fire investigators will also work to establish the cause of the explosions.
There is no mains gas supply in Lidgate.
MORE: Two dead after series of explosions destroy bungalow
The deaths remain unexplained, but at this time officers do not believe that there is any third-party involvement.
Suffolk Constabulary added that there is no threat to the wider public and utility companies, such as UK Power Networks, have attended the area to ensure the safety of local residents.
John Whitefield, chairman of Lidgate Parish Council, said: "It has shocked the village.
"It is very sad news and all our thoughts at this time are with the family."
Neighbours reported hearing a loud explosion in the area yesterday.
Four fire crews along with Suffolk police and the East of England Ambulance Service attended the incident.
Emergency services remained at the scene on Wednesday.
Speaking yesterday, a neighbour who did not want to be named said: "My daughter heard a bang and about 20 minutes later, I saw smoke billowing out.
"Our immediate neighbour said it was pretty loud. I think there were two explosions."
Darren Reeve, Suffolk Fire and Rescue station commander, said yesterday: "Three fire engines responded to this and they were faced with multiple explosions from the rear of the property.
"It's quite a big bungalow and the rear of the bungalow is totally destroyed by fire."
Anyone with information about this incident is asked to contact Suffolk police on 101, quoting reference CAD 122 of May 7.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here