Father who died in house explosion is named

A man who died after an explosion at a house has been named by police

David Howard, 53, died at the scene of the blast that led to the terraced property being partially destroyed in Worksop, Nottinghamshire.

Mr Howard’s daughters have been informed and are being supported by specialist officers, Nottinghamshire Police said.

Emergency services were called to John Street, Worksop, on Saturday evening and a major incident was declared.

Police previously said the body of a man in his 50s had been recovered from under the debris.

Two neighbouring properties partially collapsed and eight others, as well as 20 cars, were damaged by debris, the force said.

About 50 people from 35 properties were evacuated and were being supported by Bassetlaw District Council and Nottinghamshire County Council.

Some of the displaced spent Saturday night in the Crown Place Community Centre, which was offered as an emergency shelter.

Nottinghamshire Fire and Rescue Service reported the incident as a suspected gas explosion, while police said they were continuing to investigate the cause of the blast.

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Detective Chief Inspector Ruby Burrow said: “Our thoughts are very much with David’s loved ones at this devastating time.

“He has lost his life in truly tragic circumstances, and we would ask everyone to respect his daughters’ privacy.

“Our investigation to establish exactly what happened is ongoing and we are working hard to find the answers his family needs.”

People have been asked to avoid speculating over the incident “both online and in the community”, the senior officer added.