Woman found dead after Guildford flat explosion

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The body of a woman has been found at a block of flats in Surrey which was evacuated after an explosion.

A man has also been taken to hospital with life-threatening injuries after the incident in Guildford, police said.

Fire crews were called to Bedford House above the Bedford Road car park at about 17:30 GMT on Monday. The cause of the explosion has not been revealed.

The woman has not yet been named by police who are trying to trace her next of kin.

Cause investigated

A spokesman for Surrey Police said the injured man was being treated at Royal Surrey County Hospital, and a police officer was also treated for the effects of breathing in smoke.

He said the cause of the explosion, which happened in one of the flats, was under investigation.

The resident of the flat above said he saw flames and smoke coming from the kitchen window as the rest of the block was evacuated.

Red Cross support workers were at the scene to hand out blankets and hot drinks to residents.

Most were allowed to return to their homes during the evening.

Road closures were put in place but later lifted, and police officers remain at the scene.