Clacton explosion

I am saddened to learn of the incident earlier this morning in Cloes Lane, Clacton, in which a number of people were injured, some seriously.  My deepest sympathy is with them all. Early accounts suggest that there was a rapid and effective response by all the emergency services, to control the aftermath of the explosion, treat the injured, evacuate local people and ensure the wider community was kept safe. Our police, fire and medical teams have highly developed emergency plans to ensure that they can respond quickly and professionally to tragedies such as this, and seek to control the harm caused. I was briefed on the incident by Chief Constable Stephen Kavanagh soon after it happened.  I have been following its development with great concern for those injured, and admiration for the manner in which the emergency services and the local community have responded.   Nick Alston, Police and Crime Commissioner for Essex