A FORMAL investigation has been launched into the cause of a ferocious fire which destroyed a bungalow and left a family homeless.

The Health and Safety Executive has confirmed it is investigating the circumstances surrounding a fire at a home on the corner of Beverley Avenue and Rose Road, Canvey last week amid concerns it could have been started by electrical repairs.

The independent watchdog, which is responsible for the regulation and enforcement of workplace health and safety in the UK, has the power to serve improvement and prohibition notices, issue formal cautions and even prosecute an organisation where appropriate.

A spokesman from the company said: “The Health and Safety Executive is aware of the fire and will be making further inquiries. Depending on the results of the investigation being made the inspector will make a recommendation if any enforcement is required.”

Investigations are also being carried out by Essex Fire and Rescue and the UK Power Network to establish the cause of the blaze.

Families in the area had been without power last Tuesday while engineers from the UK Power Network replaced overhead electrical cables as part of investment work to improve the reliability of the electricity network.

Moments before the fire broke out the power was reconnected and neighbours claim they experienced several surges of electricity and powers shortages.

A spokeswoman from the UK Power Network said: “UK Power Networks is continuing to work with those involved in determining the cause of a fire at a bungalow in Rose Road, Canvey Island last week.

“While the investigation into what started the fire is still taking place it would be inappropriate to comment further.”