POLICE LAUNCH FIRE INVESTIGATION

Jeremy Paine, assistant chief constable of Sussex Police, said:

'Shortly before two o clock this afternoon (Sunday) emergency services were called to the Marley Farm.

'Just under an hour later there was a large explosion.

'Tragically two members of the East Sussex Fire and Rescue Service were killed in that explosion.

'Another 12 people were injured - nine members of the East Sussex Fire and Rescue, two members of the public and a police sergeant.

'They all went to hospital.

'Some have been released and some are still at hospital.

'There is a 200m cordon around the factory and the advice from the fire and rescue service is that the fire is going to be allowed to burn for a while because there is some concern around some acetylene tanks that may be present.

'We are conducting a full investigation as to the background and circumstances of this event. That's the police, health and safety and the fire and rescue service.'