Body removed from house blast scene

Press Assoc. - Friday, May 9 03:31 am

The body of a man killed in a huge explosion has been removed from the rubble of the house where he died.

The man, who has not been identified, was killed in a blast that left two other people with serious injuries.

Murder squad detectives believe the blast may have been sparked deliberately.

A spokesman for the Metropolitan Police said: "Following a search of the premises the body of a man was discovered amongst the rubble. He was removed from the scene by London Fire Brigade."

The explosion demolished three terraced properties in Stanley Road, South Harrow, north-west London, on Wednesday night.

Police were originally called after reports of a gas explosion, but engineers could find no faults with the mains supply.

The police spokesman said: "The cause of the explosion has yet to be determined, however it is being treated as suspicious at this early stage."

Structural engineers worked to make the remains of the properties safe so the victim's body could be removed.

Shocked neighbours dug through smoking rubble with their bare hands after the explosion shook their homes. At least 40 people remain in temporary hotel accommodation as recovery work continues.

Chris Mote, leader of Harrow Council, said Stanley Road may not be reopened for another five or six days. He said: "Whatever way you look at it, it's a tragedy. It makes it all the more poignant when someone is killed."

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