Man hurt in blast dies

Four houses were destroyed in the explosion

A man who was being investigated over an explosion in Kent has died from his injuries.

Paul Avery, 30, had been in hospital since the blast at his flat in Tenterden Drive, Canterbury, on 16 June which left several people homeless.

He was being treated at the specialist burns unit at the Queen Victoria Hospital in East Grinstead.

His condition rapidly deteriorated and he died last week, a spokesman for Canterbury City Council said on Thursday.

Mental health problems

The investigation by Kent Police into what caused the explosion will continue.

Initial inquiries had led police to think gas may have been involved - but officers have not confirmed whether any criminal activity took place.

Detectives had been unable to question Mr Avery because of the severity of his injuries.

He suffered from mental health problems and was an outpatient at St Martin's Hospital and the Queen Elizabeth Queen Mother Hospital in Margate.

He suffered 60% burns in the explosion, which destroyed four houses and left several others badly damaged.