FORENSIC scientists are investigating a blaze that closed a town's indoor market.

They were asked by insurance companies to investigate the fire at the Clifford Centre Family Indoor Market, in Stanley, County Durham, yesterday.

It follows an investigation by the Durham and Darlington Fire and Rescue Service that concluded the fire was an accident.

Peter Hewitson, manager of High Handenhold Fire Station, said he could not say how Monday's blaze started until the scientists had completed their report.

Fire broke out after an explosion at 9.50am on Monday morning and dozens of people were forced to flee from the choking fumes.

A 100-metre exclusion zone for eight hours was set up because a cetalyne canister had been heated by the flames and could have exploded.