Man arrested on suspicion of murder after Nottinghamshire house explosion

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A man has been arrested on suspicion of murder after a fatal gas explosion at a house in Nottinghamshire.

Emergency services were called to John Street at 7.39pm on Saturday 12 April following the blast in Worksop.

A major incident was declared and a 53-year-old man named David Howard was pronounced dead at the scene.

His next-of-kin are continuing to be supported by specially-trained officers.

Nottinghamshire Police said: “A 43-year-old man was arrested and questioned on suspicion of murder. He has since been bailed pending further investigation work into the cause of the explosion.”

The force has said the cause of the explosion remains unclear and officers are keeping an open mind.

Detective Chief Inspector Ruby Burrow, of Nottinghamshire Police and who is leading the investigation, said: “Our thoughts remain with David’s loved ones at this extremely difficult time.

“Whilst we have made an arrest, I want to be really clear that our investigation remains at a very early stage and we are doing everything possible to establish what caused this deeply tragic incident.

“It remains too early to say whether there is a criminal element to this case and would ask that people avoid speculation.

“Our inquiries are continuing and I would further ask anyone with information who is yet to come forward to please contact us as soon as possible.”

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Firefighters from the town were joined by crews from Warsop and Mansfield, and Clowne in Derbyshire, after receiving reports shortly before 7.40pm.

The terraced property was partially destroyed and neighbouring homes suffered “significant damage”, Nottinghamshire Police said, with people evacuated from multiple properties.

Videos posted on social media showed the front of a terraced house blown out and the roof collapsed, while neighbouring houses suffered damage to windows.

A Facebook user reported a “huge” bang that shook the surrounding properties, while another described “a terrific bang, like a very loud firework”.