Man dies as North Yorkshire house is destroyed in devastating explosion

North Yorkshire Police say they believe the man who died in the house explosion in Haxby was the only person in the property at the time.

“Some neighbouring properties have also been damaged”.

It is still believed the explosion was caused by gas but the full investigation into the circumstances is expected to take several weeks.

Police said there was at least one “casualty” and a relief centre has been set up at Haxby Memorial Hall.

Inspector Breen said: “We are grateful of the support and patience of residents here, because there has been a great deal of disturbance in the street”.

The house was totally destroyed by the explosion and a number of others in the area were damaged.

Bus driver Tom Holland, 28, who lives near to the explosion, said: “I live under a mile away from where it happened”.

North Yorkshire Police said: ‘Emergency services are now at the scene of an explosion at a property in Spingwood extensive damage & area cordoned off’. “My whole house just shook”.

“I ran outside to see if anyone was hurt and saw the house in pieces. We are providing as much support and advice as possible to residents in Haxby”.

A man, named locally as 63-year-old Paul Wilmott, was killed in the blast, which is not being treated as suspicious by police. Dr Hurst said his father did not know his neighbours well. We are working alongside colleagues from the fire service and ambulance service.

He was around 150 yards away at the time and said the loud bang “flattened” the property and damaged others nearby. The properties, one on each side, are pretty badly damaged.

A red and white striped cordon remains around the site of the destroyed house, with tiles blown off the roof of the house next door. “If anyone would like further advice or support they can contact the council on 01904 551550”.