FIREWORKS EXPLOSION - INQUIRY MAY TAKE MONTHS

Teams from Sussex Police and East Sussex Fire and Rescue Service are working together to establish the cause of the blaze, and subsequent explosions.

Today (Thursday) police spokesman Paddy Rea said: 'I must stress this is going to be a careful and thorough investigation and it is almost impossible to say how long it will take.

'It will be months certainly.'

It was confirmed a cordon would remain around the fire site for around two weeks.

Ten families were evacuated from their homes following the explosions on Sunday and have not yet been allowed to return.

A 39-year-old passer-by from Uckfield, who was also seriously injured in the blast, is still receiving treatment in Brighton hospital but his condition is said to be improving.

*TRIBUTES were paid to the two fire service personnel who died in Sunday's explosion at a fireworks factory between Ringmer and Halland.

Des Prichard, the county's chief fire officer, said Geoff Wicker's body had been recovered today (Tuesday) from the scene. He leaves a widow and two teenage daughters.

Both Mr Wicker and Brian Wembridge were long-serving members of the East Sussex Fire and Rescue Service.

Mr Wembridge was a firefighter at Lewes until 1993 and was the station manager in the county town before his retirement. He leaves a widow and two adult sons. He was working for the fire service in a civilian capacity as a photographer.

Mr Prichard said both men were fine officers and will be missed by every member of the service in East Sussex.

A team of volunteer fighters, led by Mr Pritchard, went back to the scene on Sunday night to protect Mr Wicker's body.

'We would like to thank the local community for their support during this difficult time,' he added.

Investigations at the scene are going on in a joint operation between the police, fire service, Health and Safety Executive, Lewes District Council and East Sussex County Council.

Mr Prichard said the fireworks factory was known to the brigade and risk assessments would have been carried out. As the factory operated under the terms of a licence, it would have been considered a lower risk.

Chief Superintendent Nick Wilkinson, divisional commander for Sussex Police,also spoke at a press conference at East Sussex Fire and Rescue HQ in Eastbourne this afternoon.

He said: 'It is very early days and we only have been able to get on to the scene today. I can assure you we are seeking the truth and a full and thorough investigation will be concluded in the fullness of time.'

THIRTEEN fire crews fought the blaze, using 10 to 15 pumps at any one time.

They came from Lewes (two), Uckfield, Barcombe, Preston Circus (two), Newhaven, Heathfield, Hailsham, Herstmonceux, Mayfield, Eastbourne and a water carrier from West Sussex.

The crews, a total of 75 fire-fighters and officers, took turns on relief duties.

At any given time, there were 10 crews in action.

*CHAPLAINS attended Marlies Farm to support and counsel the police, fire and ambulancemen during the disaster.

The Rev Francis Pole and Father David Tutt, local ambulance chaplain, were later joined by the Rev Ray Smith, senior police chaplain.

A Diocese of Chichester spokesman said: 'Understandably the mood was very sombre, especially once it became known that two fire officers had died.

'Staff from all the emergency services that were at the scene were able to talk to the chaplains present.'

The Bishop of Lewes, the Rt Rev Wallace Benn, said: 'We have all been deeply moved by the tragic turn of events resulting in the loss of life of two brave fire-fighters doing their job.

'Our heartfelt condolences go out to their family, friends and colleagues. Also to the Winter family who have lost their business and home.

'Everyone in the community, including our experienced chaplains and church personnel, have been on hand offering support and prayer to those evacuated by this event. There will be prayers at churches across Sussex.'

East Sussex Fire and Rescue Service have started an on-line book of condolences

It is available at: http://www.esfrs.org/ and is for anyone wishing to offer their comments of support and sympathy to the families and friends of the fire fighters who lost their lives at Marlie Farm, Ringmer.

Tribute has also been paid to the men by Matt Wrack, Fire Brigade Union General Secretary. He said: 'We are deeply saddened at the loss of the two members of the fire and rescue service who died in the line of duty in East Sussex.

We extend our sympathies to the families, friends and colleagues of those who died.

'Deaths always touch everyone who works in the fire service.

It may be old fashioned, but the fire service is like a family and deaths within the fire service are genuinely felt very deeply.

'Our thoughts are also with all those who were injured in the fire, in particular those who remain in hospital. We wish them a speedy recovery and our thoughts are also with their families, colleagues and friends.

'Local and national FBU officials will be looking at all health and safety issues relating to the incident. They will be co-operating fully with the HSE and local brigade managers.'