Police continue to question man arrested on suspicion of attempted murder
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POLICE have been given more time to question
the husband of a pregnant woman who was seriously hurt after her
car exploded.
Nicholas Fabian, 32, was arrested around eight
hours after a car in Highview, Vigo, near Meopham, exploded on
Friday. He was quizzed yesterday (Saturday) on suspicion of
attempted murder and detectives have received permission to
question him further.
His wife Victoria, 32, was in the car at
the time. She suffered serious but not life-threatening leg
injuries and has now been transferred to a London hospital for
further treatment.
Doctors say her baby is unharmed.
There were people in other cars nearby at the
time of the explosion but no-one else was hurt.
Emergency services got the call at 1.11pm.
Around 40 families were evacuated and a security cordon was
thrown around homes in the village. This was later decreased to
around eight homes.
The middle section of Highview in Vigo and adjoining alleyways
remained sealed off late last night. 
As dusk fell, police using torches were scanning underneath all
cars parked around the area following the earlier intervention of
an Army bomb disposal unit.
By late evening the bomb disposal crew had declared the area
safe.
Mark Stevens, 46, of Highview had to leave his house with his
wife and two children.
He said: "I was quite panicky. This doesn't happen here, it's
actually quite frightening."
Insp Tony Ramskill, from North Kent Police, said: "I can tell
you that there has been an explosion in a vehicle.
"A lady has been left severely injured but it is not
life-threatening.
"There were two children nearby but they weren't injured.
Audio: Reporter Sarah
Shaffi from the scene of the Vigo explosion
Cllr Lesley Boycott, borough councillor for Meopham and Vigo,
arrived home just after the explosion. 
She lives in Highview, not far from the explosion.
Cllr Boycott turned cars away from the road at one end, to help
clear access routes, until emergency services arrived.
She said: "They were stopping everyone coming up the road. The
residents were waiting for the police and emergency services to
come.
"From a neighbour I understand there was a large bang and then
she heard a scream."
Staff from Gravesham Borough Council, Kent County Council, the
Red Cross and Salvation Army were all at The Bay community centre
which was kept open all night to assist families who may have
had to spend the night.
However, most had found alternative sleeping arrangements
through family and friends.
Janet Frickey, 76, of Highview, has lived in the area for 13
years.
She said: "I had been shopping and couldn't get back in my
house. I couldn't believe what was happening.
"Everyone has been brilliant, absolutely marvellous. Everyone
came together and have been really looking after us."
Mum-of-two Karen Merrylees, 37, of Highview, said she planned to
go to family in Greenwich if they were prevented from returning to
their homes.
She said: "We came home from work and couldn't get
in the house. They've told us they can't give us a time when we can
get back in. If we're not able to get in tonight we'll get to our
nearest family."
However, many residents used the opportunity to socialise in the
local pub, The Villager in Erskine Road.
Police forensic examiners will be carrying out a detailed
investigation of the car and a thorough examination of the
surrounding area has begun.
A Kent police spokesman thanked the comunity of Vigo for its
patience and support.
Did you see anything? Were you there? Let us know on the
comments below, or send in pictures to kentonlinenews@thekmgroup.co.uk
Friday, March 05 2010
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