Cleat Hill explosion investigators involve the CPS

Bedfordshire Police has involved the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) in its investigation into a fatal house explosion in Bedford.

Paul Swales, 85, and Julia Harris, 84, died after the explosion and fire at the Cleat Hill home on 19 October.

At a public meeting, Det Ch Supt Zara Brown said there were "criminal and civil aspects" it was investigating.

The blast happened close to where an underground gas leak occurred in July, after a borehole was drilled to install a ground source heat pump.

Bedfordshire Fire and Rescue Service confirmed the explosion was caused by natural gas, but the "ignition source" was still being investigated.

The police force confirmed to the BBC that the CPS became involved last week. The service looks at whether cases should be taken through the criminal courts.

It said: "We continue to engage with the Crown Prosecution Service for early investigative advice and will leave no stone unturned in this investigation."

Fifty households surrounding the explosion site have been evacuated for more than four weeks, with homeowners living in rental properties and hotels.

At the meeting on Monday night, many expressed concern there was no timeline for them to return home.

Ian Jones was evacuated with his family and three dogs. He said: "It's our lives that are being impacted by this. I can't see us being able to celebrate a family Christmas in the temporary accommodation we're currently in."

Residents were told at the meeting that gas monitoring devices may be fitted at their properties to enable them to go home.

In recent weeks, the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) confirmed the 100m (328ft) borehole, which was the source of the gas leak in July, had been sealed with concrete.

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