Fatal house fire chemicals removal ongoing

Work to remove a quantity of potentially hazardous chemicals found at a house where a man died following a fire is ongoing, police has said.

The man, in his 80s, died in hospital after the blaze, described by the fire service as a "flash fire", on Oak Avenue, Sandhurst, Berkshire, on 6 June.

Four days later, during searches at the home, police found a decommissioned mortar and potentially flammable and hazardous chemicals.

Thames Valley Police said teams wearing specialist, protective clothing "in case of any spillage of chemicals which are all currently contained" were still working to clear them and make the house safe.

The force said: "This is precautionary and we have not identified any immediate risk to health.

"This work may take some time to complete and we would like to thank the residents for their patience while we continue to make the property safe."

It added there was currently no need for evacuation of any neighbouring properties, "however, this will be continually assessed".

The decommissioned mortar found was safely destroyed by specialist teams.

The man's death is being investigated as unexplained but there is no ongoing criminal investigation and the coroner had been informed, Thames Valley Police said.

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