Residents are still unable to return to their homes two weeks after a fire caused a gas explosion.

More than 20 people were forced to leave their homes in Old School Close and Craft Gardens, Lenham following the blaze.

The fire was deemed to be started accidentally after a disposable barbecue was placed in an alleyway while it was still hot and caused a bin to catch alight.

The flames then spread to a fence the house, and a gas pipe, which caused an explosion on June 5.

Now two weeks on, five homes on Old School Close and Craft Gardens, Lenham remain too “dangerous” for residents too move back home.

Hannah Dale and her husband are still living with family.

She said: “I am not back in the house yet and there are no further updates.

“The house that exploded will be demolished so we are waiting for more details.”

Maidstone council has recommended that residents should not return to their houses.

“We still advise that until the building has been made safe then the residents should not return to their houses and that they only return to their buildings once the dangerous building has been made safe,” a spokesperson said.

“We are still awaiting notification from the householder’s insurance company as to what is to be their next course of action and how they will make the building safe.

“At present we have not had to re-home any of the residents but will support those households who require our help.”

Around 25 residents were evacuated to Lenham Social Club where Sue Merchant served cups of teas until 10pm.

While two firefighters were taken to hospital as a precaution there were no other injuries.

One of the residents, who lives on Old School Close praised the actions of the emergency services.

In the aftermath, he said: "The bang from the explosion was so loud that I could feel it in my chest.

"The firefighters were absolutely stunning. They have been simply amazing from when they arrived.

"We are all just so happy that none of the residents were injured and hope the firefighters are all okay."