Second man arrested as part of investigation into Skelmersdale explosion

Author: Grace MarnerPublished 24th May 2022

A man has been arrested on suspicion of producing a controlled drug as part of an investigation into an explosion in Skelmersdale.

The 40-year-old has since been released on bail pending further enquiries.

It happened at an address on Tanfields last Tuesday evening (17th May) at around 6pm.

Five people managed to get out of the building before emergency services arrived. Fortunately, none of them were seriously injured although one man later attended Ormskirk Hospital with burn injuries that aren't thought to be life-threatening.

Police are continuing to appeal for witnesses and footage in relation the explosion.

They say they're keeping an open mind as to the cause but at this stage it's being treated as unexplained.

A 29-year-old man from Darlington was arrested last week on suspicion of production of a class B drug and causing an explosive substance likely to endanger life or cause serious injury.

DC Sean Reddington, of South CID, said: “This incident has caused significant damage to the properties and left a number of people displaced.

“Our investigation is very much ongoing to establish the cause of the explosion and we would ask people to check any footage – mobile phone, CCTV, dashcam or doorbell – that they may have covering the area to see if they have captured anything which could assist us in our enquiries.

“We would also like to speak to anyone who saw anything suspicious earlier in the day of the incident or in the period directly after the explosion. We also want to hear from anybody who saw any suspicious vehicles in the area in the days before the explosion.

“Whatever information you have, please get in touch.”

To uploaded footage click here: https://unitedkingdom1cpp-portal.digital-policing.co.uk/lancashire/appeal/have-you-seen-wanted-robert-nolan-40-from-skelmersdale

Anyone with information is asked to email 2340@lancashire.police.uk or call 101, quoting log 1311 of May 17, 2022.

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