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Police pursue 'all lines of inquiry' in fatal blast

Alex PopeBedfordshire, Hertfordshire and Buckinghamshire
Wing Sports and Social Club Stephen Woodward is looking at the camera in a close-up shot of his face. He is balding and is standing outside with trees behind him.Wing Sports and Social Club
Stephen Woodward died after an explosion at his bungalow in the village

A police force has said it is exploring all lines of inquiry after a man died in hospital days after a suspected gas explosion at a bungalow.

The blast, which happened at 09:45 BST on Sunday, destroyed the home on Cobb Hall Road in Newton Longville, a village near Milton Keynes.

Thames Valley Police said Stephen Woodward was taken to hospital, where he was receiving treatment for his injuries. His death was announced on Thursday. He was 67.

The force said it had been "conducting a thorough investigation", and its thoughts were with Woodward's family at this "tragic and difficult time".

Ant Saddington/BBC An aerial shot of three bungalows. The one on the far left is completely destroyed with just four internal walls remaining. There is debris everywhere. There is a police car parked nearby and people in high-vis vests.Ant Saddington/BBC
The explosion happened at a bungalow in Newton Longville near Milton Keynes in the early hours of Sunday

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Det Insp Philip Turner-Robson said: "We have been conducting a thorough investigation following last Sunday's explosion, and our thoughts remain with Stephen's family and loved ones at this tragic and difficult time.

"We want to be clear that we are exploring all lines of enquiry in relation to this incident, including the time leading up to the explosion."

He said the force was still investigating with the Health and Safety Executive (HSE).

"I want to hear from anybody who may have dashcam footage, CCTV, doorbell footage or any other recordings from the area from midnight onwards that could assist our inquiries.

"No matter how insignificant it may seem, any information could prove vital to our investigation as we establish the full circumstances surrounding this incident."

He asked anyone with information to contact the force quoting reference 43260411477.

Donna Torres Several fire engines and two police cars on a street with hoses lying on the ground. Fire officers are wearing yellow helmets and have cylinders on their backs in the foreground. There is a helicopter in the sky overhead the houses in the background.Donna Torres
Buckinghamshire Fire and Rescue attended the explosion

Gas distribution firm SGN said an engineer arrived within 16 minutes of receiving a call from a member of the public just after midnight on Sunday.

A company spokesperson said: "We're continuing to work alongside the local authority to support the local community."

They said they were "deeply saddened" by Woodward's death and sent their condolences to his family, friends and the wider Newton Longville community.

Donna Torres Firecrews attending a fire at a house which has been completely destroyed. Cars have their roofs caved in and there is debris all over the street.Donna Torres
The bungalow was destroyed in the explosion with debris scattered over a wide area
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