FIREWORKS SITE SEARCH GOES ON

More than 30 fireworks have so far been found on public footpaths, in fields and in people's gardens and more can be seen nearer the site.

Letters have been sent to residents and businesses notifying the occupants. Anyone who finds a firework is urged not to touch it but to contact the police immediately. The scattered fireworks are being made safe by members of the Health and Safety Executive.

The acetylene cylinders have been taken from the scene, as have some fireworks, although there is still a building on the site containing several thousand kilos of fireworks, which is presenting a hazard to emergency services at the scene.

There is still a 200 metre safety cordon.

Chief Superintendent Nick Wilkinson, East Sussex divisional commander, said: 'The impact on the community is assessed on a daily basis. I have personally met with a number of businesses to brief them on our actions and I am grateful for the support they have provided.

'Limited access has been made available to businesses and to residents of four homes in the cordon. A full assessment of damage to property will need to be done before anyone is able to return. This may take several days or weeks.

'Some ten East Sussex Fire and Rescue Service vehicles and four police cars parked on the road outside the site were damaged at the time of the explosion and they remain parked awaiting examination this week.

'The road closure continues as this is necessary for safety reasons.

'This is a slow, methodical and time consuming investigation. It is a complicated scene. The police-led investigation aims to seek what happened and why.'

A 39-year-old man from Uckfield, a passer-by, was injured in the blast. He is the only victim remaining in hospital and he is expected to be released from the Royal Sussex County Hospital in Brighton later this week.