DETECTIVES investigating the New Ferry explosion are asking members of the public to come forward with photographs and video footage which could help them with their enquiries.

The cause of the blast, which resulted in 33 people being injured and a number of buildings being destroyed or badly damaged, is still under investigation.

Officers are asking anyone who may have been in the vicinity of Boundary Road and Circular Drive in the moments leading up to, and including, the moment of the explosion to come forward.

They are also appealing for help in tracing a man and a woman who were at a bus stop outside the Complete Works dance studio on Boundary Road at around 9pm on that night to come forward.

The woman is white, of medium build, approximately 50-60 years of age with shoulder length straight fair hair.

She was wearing a red top or jacket.

The man is white, of slim build, average height, aged approximately 50-60 years of age.

He was wearing dark coloured clothing and either had dark hair or was wearing a hat.

It is believed that the couple may have come to the assistance of some of the injured people following the explosion.

Superintendent Ian Hassall said: “We are looking for anyone who was in the area around the New Ferry shopping area prior to the explosion, which happened at just before 9.15pm, and who may have taken a photograph or video footage on their mobile phone.

“Perhaps you were walking down the street on your way home, visiting a local shop or pub, or just standing chatting with a group of friends.

“We are also looking for anyone who has mobile footage of the moment of the explosion or the immediate aftermath.

“A lot of footage has since been shared on social media and we are keen to look at the original footage to see if it can assist with our investigation.

"We are also keen to speak to a man and a woman who were seen at a bus stop on Boundary Road just before the explosion.

"It is not believed they are connected in any way to the explosion but they may have information which could assist with the investigation."

People who are happy to do so can provide their details to allow police to take statements and recover the original footage but photographs and video can also be sent anonymously.

Anyone who provides footage is asked to retain the footage/images on their mobile device and not delete them once they have been submitted to Merseyside Police.

Anyone with footage or photographs can email them to new.ferry@merseyside.pnn.police.uk and information can also be supplied to Merseyside Police on 0151 777 2284/2265.