Fireworks cause blast site hazard

The investigation into the fire is expected to take many weeks

Several thousand kilos of fireworks are still presenting a hazard to investigators working at the site of a fire and explosion in East Sussex.

The fireworks are contained in one building at Festival Fireworks UK Ltd, at Shortgate, near Lewes.

Two fire service personnel were killed in the blaze on 3 December, when a blast rocked the site.

A 200m safety cordon remains and it may be several days or weeks before people are allowed back into the area.

Sussex Police's Ch Supt Nick Wilkinson said: "Limited access has been made available to businesses and to residents of four homes in the cordon."

He said local people were being kept informed about the investigation, but a full assessment of damage to property was still needed.

Inquests into the deaths are due to be opened on Tuesday

More than 30 unexploded fireworks have been found scattered on footpaths and in fields and gardens.

Anyone who finds a firework should contact police so it can be dealt with by the Health and Safety Executive.

"It is a complicated scene," said Ch Supt Wilkinson.

"The police-led investigation aims to seek what happened and why."

The explosion killed retained firefighter Geoff Wicker, 49, and brigade cameraman Brian Wembridge, 63.

Members of East Sussex Fire and Rescue Service observed a two-minute silence at 1444 GMT on Sunday, exactly a week after the fatal blast.

Nine other fire service personnel, a police sergeant and two members of the public were also injured.

A 39-year-old man from Uckfield, who was a passer-by, is expected to be released from hospital later this week.