Probe after five men die in explosion

A sixth man was taken to hospital suffering from severe burns following the blast at the Broadfield Lane industrial estate in Boston, Lincolnshire, yesterday evening.

Teams of emergency workers were scrambled to the 30ft by 15ft unit shortly before 7.30pm after several 999 calls from members of the public.

Steve Moore, area manager from Lincolnshire Fire and Rescue Service, said: "When the first crews attended they were faced with a really serious fire and a casualty who was outside the building suffering from burns."

He described the incident as one of the most serious he had ever seen in his 28-year career.

There were rumours locally that some Polish nationals had been brewing their own vodka in the building.

Police would not confirm reports that the explosion occurred because of illegal alcohol brewing, but said investigators were keeping an "open mind and following up all relevant lines of inquiry."

A Lincolnshire Police spokeswoman said: "There will be a full forensic examination of the unit."