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THREE men caused an explosion that killed five people by using petrol, it was alleged yesterday.

Shopkeeper Aram Kurd, 33, Arkan Ali, 37, and Hawkar Hassan, 32, appeared before magistrates to face manslaughter and arson charges.

 Accused . . . shop owner Aram Kurd
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Accused . . . shop owner Aram KurdCredit: Facebook

Prosecutor Zoe Lee said the blast destroyed Kurd’s Zabka convenience store and a two-storey flat above it in Leicester.

She added: “It has been established the explosion was caused by petrol.”

Four of the five bodies found in the rubble have been identified.

Shane Ragoobeer, 18, and his brother Sean, 17, lived in the flat and died with Shane’s girlfriend, Leah Beth Reek, 18. The boys’ mother, Mary, 46, is also thought to have died.

 The massive explosion at the shop in Leicester on February 25 was felt for miles around
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The massive explosion at the shop in Leicester on February 25 was felt for miles aroundCredit: PA:Press Association
 Mary Ragoobeer, 46, and two of her sons were among five people killed in the gas explosion
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Mary Ragoobeer, 46, and two of her sons were among five people killed in the gas explosionCredit: PA:Press Association

The fifth victim was Ali’s girlfriend, shopworker Viktorija Ljevleva, 22, from Oldham.

The three accused men will appear at Leicester crown court next month.

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