Family pay tribute to ‘kind and loving’ man, 85, who died in explosion and fire

The family of a “kind and loving” 85-year-old man who died in an explosion and fire in Bedford have paid tribute to him.

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.

“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.”