Man fighting for life after UK explosion

One house was destroyed and several others were significantly damaged as well as nearby cars.

Paramedics said people at the scene rescued a man from the destroyed house but he had "very significant injuries" and was taken to hospital.

Residents described to the PA news agency how they clambered past flaming debris, through dust and rubble, shortly after the blast, and pulled an injured man alive from the ruins of the house.

Four other men suffered minor injuries and were assessed by ambulance crews at the scene.

Police later said the firefighters suspected it was a gas explosion and had taken over command of the incident.

Footage on social media showed flames, damage and debris from a terraced red brick house.

Aerial shots shared on Twitter also showed flames billowing into the sky.