Villagers in Lenwade are still without electricity, after yesterday's gas cylinder explosion.

People living in and adjacent to Heath Close were forced to leave their homes and a 200-metre exclusion zone was put in place after five oxy-acetylene cylinders were involved in the fire which broke out shortly before 2.20pm.

At its height 22 firefighters were involved in tackling the blaze with crews from Reepham, Dereham, Earlham and Aylsham together with the water carrier from Hethersett called to attend.

Norfolk police carried out an evacuation of all the properties in Heath Close, and a number between Heath Close and the A1067 Norwich to Fakenham Road, which was closed for several hours.

Three of the cylinders exploded in the fire and residents who had been evacuated had to wait until after 5pm before the remaining cylinders had been cooled sufficiently to allow most to return home.

People living in the three properties nearest the fire were not allowed home last night for safety reasons.

A Norfolk Fire and Rescue Service spokesman said that one crew cooling cylinders was still on scene today, and that an investigation into the blaze would follow.