EXPLOSION -CORONER OPENS INQUESTS

East Sussex Coroner Alan Craze, sitting in Eastbourne, heard evidence from Detective Chief Inspector Steven Johns.

He said there was a major explosion at 2.43pm on December 3 at the Festival Fireworks factory, near Ringmer. It is believed that is when the deaths occurred.

He said a preliminary report would be available soon but the inquiry was likely to be long and protracted.

The coroner's officer, Ali Warner, went to the site on the Sunday.

She said Geoff Wicker, 49, from Heathfield, left a widow, Heather, who is a teacher. Mr Wembridge, 63, from Crowborough leaves a widow Lesley.