Police investigating cause of massive blast in Fenland village

A bungalow severely damaged in a gas explosion in the early hours of Monday morning has been demolished.

Workmen arrived at St Leonards Road this morning and took down the remaining structure after the property was ripped apart when the gas pipes had been tampered with.

The adjoining bungalow, which also appeared to be damaged, was not demolished.

Police visited the address over the weekend after thefts were reported, but they were yesterday still investigating the circumstances behind the explosion.

Neighbours spoke of their shock as the noise from the blast woke the street and they rushed to help the residents of the adjoining bungalow.

Ian Gowler, known as Gus, and Mavis Stails, were helped from their home which was also damaged by the blast. Mr Gowler said: 'I feel a little bit sick it's happened and helpless, too, as I can do nothing about it.'

He added: 'I am just relieved that I and the missus didn't get hurt.'

Cambridgeshire police confirmed today that they had been called to the property twice over the weekend.

'On Saturday afternoon officers went to the home following reports that offenders had broken in and stolen a copper tank. They also took other items including a washing machine.'

The spokesman said this burglary had occurred sometime between March 1 and March 10. 'We then received a second report, this time on Sunday, that offenders had again entered the property and removed copper piping sometime between 2.30pm on Saturday and 9.30am the following morning.'

Neighbours said the bungalow had appeared to be empty for some time and no-one was in it when the explosion took place.