Investigation launched into gas blast

A full investigation is underway into a combustible gas explosion in Castleford.

The blast in early hours of Friday (July 8th) is thought to have been caused by thieves aiming to steal copper cabling.

However, they instead cut an overhead electricity line and left it dangling close to the houses.

Shortly after arriving on the scene, the police realised the potential danger and evacuated 30 residents from the houses, just minutes before a massive combustible gas explosion ripped through them.

The fire service suggested that one property was almost completely destroyed in the blast, while five others suffered extensive damage.

Station manager Mark Allen said: "The firefighters did a fantastic job of rescuing residents so quickly, and it was their skill and training which told them they should withdraw."

Two Red Cross fire and emergency support service (FESS) teams attended the scene and helped many of the residents throughout the night.