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Three seriously injured in blast still in hospital

BBC Officers in high-vis jackets stand on a street, which is partly fenced off. A house has visible damage to its first flood and roof and a car parked outside also has its roof and windscreen smashed.BBC
Emergency services are working to make the area safe

Three people seriously injured in a suspected gas explosion remain in hospital, police say.

Two men and a woman were injured in the blast which gutted a property on Hugh Street in Whitehaven, Cumbria, on Tuesday at about 16:25 GMT.

Several fire engines, police vans, crime scene investigation and gas engineer vehicles surrounding the cordon are expected to remain at the scene for some time.

Families evacuated from nearby homes are also still unable to return to their properties.

Officers in high-vis jackets stand on a street, which is partly fenced off. A police car and police tape are in the foreground.
Police are still at the scene in Whitehaven

Part of the roof and the first-floor window of the terraced house blew off in the blast.

A car parked outside the home also had its roof and windscreen smashed.

A big red fire truck is parked in front of a street, blocking off the path.
People have been evacuated from their homes

Police officers who were first on scene were "briefly hospitalised with smoke inhalation", a Cumbria police spokesman said, but had since been discharged.

A number of animals have also been rescued by police and anyone missing their pet should contact them.

The force said displaced residents had either found their own accommodation with family and friends, or were supported by Cumberland Council.

Whitehaven councillor Joseph Ghayouba, who represents the Bransty ward, told BBC Radio Cumbria the community had stepped up to offer help to those affected.

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