A second person died in an explosion and fire at a house.

Police said Julia Harris, 84, was taken to hospital with life-threatening injuries following the blast in Cleat Hill, Bedford, on October 19. She died on Tuesday.

Paul Swales, 85, died in the blast.

Dozens of people remain evacuated from their properties, and firefighters said the “exact cause” of the explosion was “yet to be determined.”

The explosion which killed Mr Swales and Ms Harris occurred in the same area where, on July 2, contractors hit a pocket of natural gas while drilling a hole to install a heat pump, causing another evacuation of nearby properties.

A separate ongoing investigation is underway into the circumstances of that earlier gas leak.

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) said it was working on a permanent solution to seal the borehole and that work was underway to “bring under control” the escaping gas.

Det Ch Insp Matt Inwood, from Bedfordshire Police, said: “Our thoughts are with Julia’s loved ones at this difficult and distressing time.

“Our family liaison officers are working with family and friends and will continue to support them in any way we can.”

Bedford Borough Mayor Tom Wootton said; “On behalf of Bedford Borough, I extend my deepest condolences to all who know and love the family affected by this heartbreaking tragedy.”