Bedford explosion: 'Increased natural gas' found after one dead in horror house fire

Police have confirmed an increased amount of natural gas has been found in the ground of the scene this weekend.

A neighbour said they heard and the roof "came off" in the tragedy on Saturday, which killed one person. A second person was taken to hospital with serious injuries as enquiries continue at the scene.

have now confirmed increased levels of natural gas in the ground have been identified in the ground at the scene. A spokesman said: "Following the explosion and subsequent identification of increased levels of natural gas in the ground, an evacuation of the immediate area has been undertaken and a cordon and road closures remain in place as a precaution.

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"The gas levels identified are thought to be naturally occurring gases from an underground source and not coming from the gas pipe network in the area. Safety is our main priority, and so we are still advising for people to avoid the Cleat Hill area whilst work at the scene continues. We also want to remind any drone owners that the area is currently a no-fly zone.

"We know residents of nearby properties want to get back into their homes as quickly as possible and we thank them for their continued support and patience. We are working closely with multiple partners as part of our investigation into the circumstances and our thoughts remain with the family and friends of the person who sadly died and the person who is being treated in hospital.”

Earlier today a resident evacuated from her home following the incident, said the “whole roof came off” in the . She added: “Whatever was left of the roof went up in flames, I didn’t see the flames itself, when I went out it was more like smoke.

“We weren’t allowed to go closer because it wasn’t safe, we were told to go back inside because they didn’t know what was going to happen. I left at about 8 o’clock last night and fire brigade have been there through the night.”

The neighbour, who did not wish to be named, said natural gas had been discovered "coming out from the ground" in June during some building work nearby. She said: "From what I heard, when they went to drill deep for central heating, they discovered this hissing gas coming out from the ground, which is like natural gas, which was at the bottom of his garden.

"Who's to say that this gas isn't around anywhere else? Now you're on tenterhooks and you don't know which house is going to go up.

"I'm quite elderly and I don't want to live the rest of my years with this fear - it's horrible. My house was checked yesterday with a special gadget and there was no (gas) escape in my house because it monitors the natural gas and the other gas we have in the house. It's a bit worrying, that's all I know, and more than that, it's very sad."

According to the Bedford Borough Council website, work was undertaken to address a gas leak in the area earlier in the year after which the council said it was still looking for a long term-solution.