Pictures from the scene of the Vigo explosion. Pictures: Simon Hildrew

POLICE have been given more time to question the husband of a pregnant woman who was seriously hurt after her car exploded.

Nicholas Fabian, 32, was arrested around eight hours after a car in Highview, Vigo, near Meopham, exploded on Friday. He was quizzed yesterday on suspicion of attempted murder and detectives have received permission to question him further.

His wife Victoria, 32, was in the car at the time. She suffered serious but not life-threatening leg injuries and has now been transferred to a London hospital for further treatment.

Doctors say her baby is unharmed.

The explosion took place around 1pm in Highview, Vigo, near Meopham.

There were people in other cars nearby at the time of the explosion but no-one else was hurt.

Emergency services got the call at 1.11pm.

Around 40 families were evacuated and a security cordon was thrown around homes in the village. This was later decreased to around eight homes.

The middle section of Highview in Vigo and adjoining alleyways remained sealed off late last night.

As dusk fell, police using torches were scanning underneath all cars parked around the area following the earlier intervention of an Army disposal unit.

By late evening the bomb disposal crew had declared the car safe.

Mark Stevens, 46, of Highview had to leave his house with his wife and two children.

He said: "I was quite panicky. This doesn't happen here, it's actually quite frightening."

Insp Tony Ramskill, from North Kent Police, said: "I can tell you that there has been an explosion in a vehicle.

"A lady has been left severely injured but it is not life-threatening.

"There were two children nearby but they weren't injured."

Audio: Reporter Sarah Shaffi from the scene of the Vigo explosion

Cllr Lesley Boycott, borough councillor for Meopham and Vigo, arrived home just after the explosion.

She lives in Highview, not far from the explosion.

Cllr Boycott turned cars away from the road at one end, to help clear access routes, until emergency services arrived.

She said: "They were stopping everyone coming up the road. The residents were waiting for the police and emergency services to come.

"From a neighbour I understand there was a large bang and then she heard a scream."

Staff from Gravesham Borough Council, Kent County Council, the Red Cross and Salvation Army were all at The Bay community centre which was kept open all night to assist families who may have had to spend the night.

However, most had found alternative sleeping arrangements through family and friends.

Janet Frickey, 76, of Highview, has lived in the area for 13 years.

She said: "I had been shopping and couldn't get back in my house. I couldn't believe what was happening.

"Everyone has been brilliant, absolutely marvellous. Everyone came together and have been really looking after us."

Mum of two Karen Merrylees, 37, of Highview, said she planned to go to family in Greenwich if they were prevented from returning to their homes.

She said: "We came home from work and couldn't get in the house. They've told us they can't give us a time when we can get back in. If we're not able to get in tonight we'll get to our nearest family."

However, many residents used the opportunity to socialise in the local pub, The Villager in Erskine Road.

Police forensic examiners will be carrying out a detailed investigation of the car and a thorough examination of the surrounding scene has begun.

A Kent Police spokesman thanked the community of Vigo for its patience and support.

See this week's Gravesend Messenger for full report.

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