Three seriously injured after customer's heater explodes outside Suffolk pub

Three people have been seriously injured after an explosion outside the Kings Head pub in Sudbury, believed to have been caused by a small portable fuel heater brought to the pub by a customer.

The people's injuries were not believed to be life-threatening but were potentially life-changing. Two females, both in their 20s, remain in hospital. One male, also in his 20s, was discharged on Sunday evening.

In a statement on the pub's Facebook page, it said the heating appliance "was not one supplied by the pub, but was brought onto the premises without our knowledge".

It said: "We're limited on what we can say as this remains a police investigation, we're also not fully aware of the extent of the injuries the three people sustained on Saturday evening other than what has been reported.

"At the moment, we have three of our customers with serious injuries, potentially life changing. Our focus is on supporting the enquiry that is taking place while keeping them, and their families, at the forefront of our thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.

"We would also like to say a thank you to all the emergency services who attended on Saturday evening, as well as our staff and other customers that assisted at the time."

Suffolk Constabulary is appealing for witnesses and information. Anyone with information is asked to contact Suffolk police, quoting incident number 37/20827/21 or contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or via their online form at www.crimestoppers-uk.org.

The pub planned to reopen for trading today.

Photo: Shutterstock