Preston house explosion: Police scrambled and homes evacuated following blast

What happened?

Emergency services were called to a property on Fishwick Parade, Ashton-on-Ribble, Preston, Lancashire at around 3.30pm on Tuesday. Lancashire Police said the explosion is being treated as a suspected gas blast. The property was completely destroyed. A cordon has been set up in the area and nearby homes have been evacuated as a precaution. Police have urged people to avoid the area at this time.

There are no reports of any injuries at this stage, but emergency services remain at the scene. Fire crews are also assisting at the scene. The cause of the explosion is not yet known, but an investigation is underway.

What are the latest updates?

Police have confirmed that the explosion is being treated as a suspected gas blast. The property was completely destroyed. A cordon has been set up in the area and nearby homes have been evacuated as a precaution. Police have urged people to avoid the area at this time.

There are no reports of any injuries at this stage, but emergency services remain at the scene. Fire crews are also assisting at the scene. The cause of the explosion is not yet known, but an investigation is underway.

What are people saying?

"I heard a loud bang and the whole house shook," said one local resident. "I looked out the window and saw smoke coming from the house next door. I called the fire brigade and they were here within minutes."

"It was a very loud explosion," said another resident. "I felt it in my chest. I ran outside and saw the house next door was on fire. The flames were huge."

What is the advice from the police?

Police have urged people to avoid the area at this time. A cordon has been set up and nearby homes have been evacuated as a precaution. There are no reports of any injuries at this stage, but emergency services remain at the scene.

The cause of the explosion is not yet known, but an investigation is underway.

What is the latest information?

The latest information is that the explosion is being treated as a suspected gas blast. The property was completely destroyed. A cordon has been set up in the area and nearby homes have been evacuated as a precaution. Police have urged people to avoid the area at this time.

There are no reports of any injuries at this stage, but emergency services remain at the scene. Fire crews are also assisting at the scene. The cause of the explosion is not yet known, but an investigation is underway.