Man killed in explosion that destroyed house

A man has died in a explosion that destroyed a house and led to evacuations.

Multiple homes in John Street, Worksop, Nottinghamshire, were evacuated and emergency services were called to the scene on Saturday evening, just before 20:00 BST.

On Sunday, police confirmed the body of a man, in his 50s, had been found in the wreckage of the house.

Nottinghamshire Police said emergency services treated the man but were unable to save him and he died at the scene.

Chf Insp Clive Collings said: "This is an extremely serious incident that has led to a man's untimely death.

"The man's family have been informed and are being supported by specially trained officers.

"I have no doubt that this incident will have come as a shock to the community in Worksop."

An investigation is under way to establish the cause of the explosion.

Everyone else who may have been in the area at the time has been accounted for, police added.

Mr Collings added: "It is likely that the cordon and road closures will remain in place for some time as we carry out our investigations.

"Officers will remain in the area to carry out enquiries relating to the investigation and anyone with concerns is encouraged to speak with an on-duty officer."

The explosion has been declared a major incident by emergency services.

Specialist experts were called in to search the area after the blast, with demolition workers subsequently attending the scene after midday on Sunday.

Residents, who live near John Street, described "chaos" in the wake of the explosion.

They said they had heard a loud crashing sound which immediately prompted a large number of people to rush out into the street.

They told the BBC there was thick black smoke in the street as some people ran towards the wrecked house to try to help.

Police and fire crews were quickly on the scene, residents said.