The cause of an explosion that injured seven people in Ashford has been revealed a week on from the incident.

It is believed a leak from a portable gas heater resulted in the blast which destroyed one house and damaged two more in Mill View, Willesborough, last Tuesday.

Investigations had been ongoing for the majority of last week, with two victims remaining in a serious condition in a London hospital.

Work was carried out in the ensuing days after the blast to remove debris and allow for inspection work inside the property.

Forensic teams then moved in, working among the debris and using a height vehicle to take pictures of the damage from the air.

Movement sensors were placed against several walls around the scene to detect any shift in the damaged structures while teams worked amongst the rubble.

Gas teams also excavated holes in the area to access pipes below the ground.

Investigation work concluded on Friday, but no cause was released until today.

A Kent Fire and Rescue spokeswoman said: “Following an investigation, it’s believed the incident was caused accidentally due to a gas leak from a portable heater.”

ABC leader Gerry Clarkson visited the site last week and told a KentOnline reporter that it was likely that all four homes in the affected block would have to be demolished.

The Willesborough community has continued to rally around the affected families, with many making generous donations of clothes and other supplies.

A fundraising page set up by a Facebook group has now raised almost £10,000 for the victims.

Read more: All the latest news from Ashford