The families of two men killed following a 'flash over explosion' at a Norwich industrial unit will have to wait a little longer to find out if criminal charges are to be brought over the deaths.
Barry Joy, 56, and Daniel Timbers, 29, both died as a result of the effects of fire and inhalation of fumes of combustion following a 'flash over explosion' at Harford Attachments on the Vulcan Road Industrial Estate, in Hellesdon.
Detectives from the Norfolk and Suffolk Major Investigation Team, with Norfolk Fire and Rescue Service and the Health and Safety Executive (HSE), launched an investigation following the deaths on July 13 2015.
A spokesman for the HSE said the matter is still being investigated and any decision over whether any possible offences were committed would have to wait until after an inquest into the deaths.
He said: 'Following a police investigation, the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) now has primacy for this matter which is still under investigation pending the outcome of the inquest, listed for two weeks from 10 July. On conclusion of the inquest, HSE will review all evidence and consider possible offences.'
The inquest is due to be held at Norfolk Coroners Court in Norwich next month in front of area coroner Yvonne Blake and has been listed for 10 days.
As reported last year, Norfolk police had previously contacted the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) about the case and were waiting to hear back from them to see if criminal charges were likely.
In the days following the deaths of Mr Joy and Mr Timbers fellow workers described frantic and courageous efforts to save the two men.
The deaths prompted then prime minister David Cameron, speaking in response to a question from Norwich North MP Chloe Smith, to demand the families of both men get 'proper answers' about what happened. He said: 'No words can do justice to the loss felt by those affected. There will need to be a proper investigation and proper answers for these families.'
Thousands of Norwich City fans paid an emotional tribute to Mr Joy, who was a season ticket holder at Carrow Road, and Mr Timbers before the Premier League curtain raiser against Crystal Palace in August 2015.
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 The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.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