FIREWORKS FACTORY OWNER 'LIVING ON HANDOUTS'

Martin Winter, 40, and his family lost their home and business in the explosion.

This week his elder brother John, 67, said: 'He does not know what is going on. He is not allowed back on site while the investigation continues.

'The family have changed temporary accommodation in and around the Laughton area five or six times since the disaster.

'He doesn't know whether he is coming or going. He's very much down in the dumps. He can't get on with his job.

'He is living on handouts. He has insurance but we understand they won't pay out until the result of the investigation comes through.'

Mr Winter, who has declined so far to talk to the media, has a wife Julie, sons Nathan, 22, and Stuart, 19, and daughter Holly, 14.

The finger-tip search for evidence through the debris of what is left of Marlies Farm, Shortgate, continues and could take several more weeks.

A team of police, fire officers and Health and Safety experts have been sifting through the wreckage of the farm, near Ringmer, since the second week of December.

About ten forensic experts remain on site in shifts, slowly making their way across the wrecked farm site.

They are still not letting the press in.

A house on the opposite side of the road to the explosion site has its windows boarded up as a result of the blast. Roof repairs are being carried out on another home.

Police have warned the public that a number of unexploded high-explosive fireworks have been found on nearby footpaths and fields.

A spokesman said: 'Please be advised that these may cause injury if handled. If anyone sees one, do not touch but contact police.'

The explosion was one of the worst in the history of East Sussex Fire and Rescue.

Nine fire vehicles, destroyed or badly damaged in the blast, are to be replaced. Insurers have agreed that all the vehicles should be written off and new ones bought.

The fire service has set aside 1.5 million to replace all the equipment lost in the fire and blast.

A number of police vehicles also suffered blast damage and have had to be written off.