Police rule out gas as cause of blast that killed couple

Police were last night investigating the possible use of an "accelerant" at the scene of an explosion which killed a married couple in their home. Officers who attended the blast in Axbridge, Somerset, have ruled out initial reports that gas was the cause.

Wilfred and Wendy Bastin, who have seven children, were found dead when emergency services arrived at their flat on St Mary's Street in the historic market town shortly after 3pm on Saturday.

Avon & Somerset Police spokeswoman Jenny Bigwood said : "Police investigating the explosion at Axbridge have now ruled out gas as the cause of the blast. Officers are investigating the use of an accelerant at the scene."

She said the explosion happened in the rear of the large building and residents of the other three flats at the exclusive apartment block were moving back into their homes yesterday evening.

Axbridge councillor Liz Scott said: "There are a lot of people who have been very upset by this. It is a dreadful accident and our thoughts are with the family."