'Kind and loving' man, 85, killed in horror Bedford house explosion that sparked huge fire

Bedfordshire Police were called at around 7.30am to Cleat Hill, Bedford, after receiving reports of an explosion

A "kind and loving" elderly man was the fatal victim of a horrific house explosion in Bedford.

Paul Swales was killed in the explosion at his house in Cleat Hill on October 19. A woman in her 80s, a family member, remains in hospital with serious injuries after being pulled from the blaze.

Paying tribute to Mr Swales, his family said: "Paul was a kind and loving man who we dearly miss. We thank the emergency services for their professionalism and the kind and heartfelt messages that have been received by everyone.

"A special thanks goes to the gentleman that bravely pulled our family member from the fire. Our thoughts are also with the people that have been impacted since and we hope the distress will soon end."

Increased levels of natural gas were identified in the ground after the explosion and the immediate area around Cleat Hill was evacuated, Bedfordshire Police previously said.

The force said they were thought to be naturally occurring gasses from an underground source, and not from the gas pipe network.

A neighbour, who did not wish to be named, said that natural gas had been discovered "coming out from the ground" in June during some building work nearby.

Describing the explosion, she said: "I just heard the bang, I heard a mighty bang that was really massive. I can't describe it. I've never heard anything like it." She said the "whole roof" of the affected house "came off" in the explosion.

Detective Chief Inspector Matt Inwood from Bedfordshire Police said: "Our thoughts remain with Mr Swales' loved ones at this difficult and distressing time, as well as the woman in hospital, who we wish a full recovery. Specialist officers are working with Mr Swales' family and will support them however we can."

Speaking on the discovery of natural gas, a Bedfordshire Police spokesman previously said: "Following the explosion and subsequent identification of increased levels of natural gas in the ground, an evacuation of the immediate area has been undertaken and a cordon and road closures remain in place as a precaution.

"The gas levels identified are thought to be naturally occurring gases from an underground source and not coming from the gas pipe network in the area. Safety is our main priority, and so we are still advising for people to avoid the Cleat Hill area whilst work at the scene continues. We also want to remind any drone owners that the area is currently a no-fly zone.

"We know residents of nearby properties want to get back into their homes as quickly as possible and we thank them for their continued support and patience. We are working closely with multiple partners as part of our investigation into the circumstances and our thoughts remain with the family and friends of the person who sadly died and the person who is being treated in hospital.”

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