by Nicola Jordan

The cause of an explosion which ripped through a busy pub on Sunday lunchtime is now being investigated by the council’s health and safety team.

Four members of the same family were airlifted to a London hospital after the blast at The Fenn Bell Inn at St Mary Hoo.

Police and Kent Fire and Rescue have spent the last two days sifting through the wreckage at the 17th century pub on the Ratcliffe Way.

It’s believed a log burner attached to a boiler in the main bar exploded sparking a small fire.

The air ambulance and three crews from Strood and Thames-side attended the pub at about 1.30pm.

The family, two boys aged five and nine and their parents, were taken to King’s College Hospital. Their injuries were not thought to be life threatening.

Officers from Medway Council, who have made the building safe, are now leading the inquiry.

George Barnes, from Shepherd Neame the brewery that owns the pub, said “Our thoughts are with those who have been injured.

"We are supporting the licensee Jackie Ballard, and our team has been on site to help liaise with the various authorities.”

Were you in the pub at the time? Contact the newsroom on 0-1634 227803.