Statement regarding Cleat Hill incident

Detective Chief Superintendent Zara Brown said: “We are still at the scene of the incident in Cleat Hill following the explosion at a residential property yesterday morning (Saturday).

“Following the explosion and subsequent identification of increased levels of natural gas in the ground, an evacuation of the immediate area has been undertaken and a cordon and road closures remain in place as a precaution.  

“The gas levels identified are thought to be naturally occurring gasses from an underground source and not coming from the gas pipe network in the area.

“Safety is our main priority, and so we are still advising for people to avoid the Cleat Hill area whilst work at the scene continues.

“We also want to remind any drone owners that the area is currently a no-fly zone.

“We know that residents of nearby properties want to get back into their homes as quickly as possible and we thank them for their continued support and patience.

“We are working closely with multiple partners as part of our investigation into the circumstances and our thoughts remain with the family and friends of the person who sadly died and the person who is being treated in hospital.”