Two arrested after explosion at flat linked to illegal drugs production

http://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2014/nov/24/two-arrested-flat-explosion-illegal-drugs-production

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Two men have been arrested after an explosion destroyed a flat, with detectives potentially linking the blast to illegal drugs production.

West Midlands police said two men, a 27-year-old and another in his 30s, were taken to hospital with serious injuries but were later arrested on suspicion of causing an explosion likely to endanger life.

The blast in Aldersmead Road in West Heath, Birmingham, was reported at about 8.12pm on Sunday.

A force spokesman said the arrested men were in hospital on Monday but their injuries were not thought to be life-threatening.

Detectives are to question the pair when they have recovered. Meanwhile, the road remains closed while an investigation continues and the site of the explosion is made safe.

Ch Insp Sean Russell of West Midlands police moved to reassure the local community, saying it was “an isolated explosion”. As for the possible cause, he said: “One line of inquiry is that it may have been linked to the production of illegal drugs.”