SILENCE AT ANNIVERSARY OF BLAST

During the week there have been many tributes made to the two fire service personnel who tragically died in the huge explosion: Geoffrey Wicker and Brian Wembridge.

'We have been overwhelmed by the messages of kindness, support and empathy we are receiving from all over the UK and overseas in relation to the tragic events of December 3, when two personnel lost their lives and many others were injured, including a police officer," said Mike Murphy, Chairman of the East Sussex Fire Authority.

Members of the public have come out in force to show their support and sympathy, contributing to the East Sussex Fire & Rescue Service Memorial Fund and signing books of condolences, which are available at all East Sussex Fire & Rescue Service stations and County Hall Lewes.

The Chief Fire Officer, Des Prichard, has visited the families of those who died and has also met with all those injured and involved in the incident.

Two minutes' silence was privately held by most fire service personnel across East Sussex on Sunday at the time of the blast (14.44) and fire officers collected memorial funds from the crowd at Brighton & Hove Albion's Saturday evening match.

Geoffrey Wicker and Brian Wembridge were among 60 members of the service in attendance during the initial stages of the incident.

The full events leading to the deaths and injuries are subject to an investigation by the Police, Health and Safety Executive and East Sussex Fire & Rescue Service.

The inquest is to be opened at Eastbourne Magistrates Court tomorrow and it is expected that the funerals will be held before the end of December.