Two men killed in 'explosion' on Norwich industrial estate named

Police have begun carrying out a detailed forensic examination at a warehouse on the outskirts of Norwich where two men were killed yesterday.

Emergency services responding to reports of an explosion attended an industrial unit on Spar Road in Hellesdon shortly after 9am before discovering the bodies of two men a short time later.

The two employees were working in a contained unit within the warehouse when the incident happened. No one else was injured.

The men have today been identified as 29-year-old Daniel Timbers and 56-year-old Barry Joy, although formal identification is yet to take place. Specialist officers are continuing to support the families.

Daniel’s family have released the following statement:

"Dan was a loving son, brother, grandson, partner and father and we are all devastated by this tragic loss. As a family we ask that we are given the privacy to grieve in peace at this time."

The family of Barry Joy wish have made the following statement and have respectfully requested to be left to grieve and come to terms with their loss in private:

"The tragic incident yesterday has left us all shocked at the death of someone very dear to us and there are no words that can even begin to describe how we feel at this time.

"Barry was a loving family man and a devoted father to his two sons, Charlie and Harry. He was a loyal friend who would brighten the day of anybody who he would meet and his sudden and unexpected death is a devastating loss to everyone who knew him.

"We would also like to offer our condolences to Daniels family who are also going through this difficult time."

Detectives form the Norfolk and Suffolk Major Investigation Team (MIT), who are currently leading the investigation, continue to work alongside colleagues from the Health and Safety Executive and Norfolk Fire and Rescue Service.

Detective Chief Inspector Paul Durham, who is overseeing the investigation, said: "We have started detailed forensic and scientific enquiries today with the aim of ascertaining what caused this tragic incident. Our priority yesterday was to ensure that the area was made safe to allow this work to begin.

"We have spoken with a number of witnesses who were working on the site at the time who reported hearing an explosion. The incident happened within a confined unit and given the conditions we are working in, it is likely to take some time for the forensic work to be completed."

A police cordon remains in place within the confines of the warehouse and Spar Road was re-opened this morning.

The bodies of the two men have been recovered this afternoon and Home Office post mortem examinations will take place tomorrow (15 July).