Shop explosion
Police treating blast as suspicious

By Dan Santy 06/07 Updated: 06/07 13:35

POLICE have confirmed they are treating an explosion at a shop in Bilton as suspicious.

The rescue of ten people - all unharmed - who were trapped in flats above the Freemantle Road shop after it exploded and set fire to their building yesterday (Thursday), has been called a 'miracle' by one of the fire officers investigating.

Residents living above the All in One store had to be pulled from their homes by firefighters using ladders and ropes after the explosion shortly before 12.45am.

The blast blocked off the main fire exit and completely blew out two walls at the shop - causing severe damage and putting it at risk of collapse - according to a spokeswoman for Warwickshire Fire and Rescue Service.

There were no injuries and firefighters managed to put the blaze out quickly but spent several hours on the scene making sure the area was safe.

Fire investigation officer, Jon Dixon, said: "It is a miracle really that no-one was injured in the blast.

"A full investigation into the cause of the explosion is now being carried out by our fire investigation team in partnership with the county surveyors and police scenes of crime officers."

Volunteers from the British Red Cross and the Fire Emergency Support Service looked after the ten residents who had been saved from their flats.

The cause of the blast is not yet known, but a police spokeswoman confirmed the blast was being treated as suspicious.

More to follow.