Murder arrest over fatal house explosion in Worksop

A man has been arrested on suspicion of murder after a fatal house explosion that damaged multiple homes and cars in Nottinghamshire.

Emergency services were called to John Street in Worksop at 19:39 BST on Saturday evening.

David Howard, 53, was found in the rubble and was declared dead at the scene.

Nottinghamshire Police said a 43-year-old man had been questioned and then bailed pending further investigation.

Officers said the cause of the explosion remained unclear and they were keeping an open mind at this early stage in the investigation.

Det Ch Insp Ruby Burrow said: “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.”

One terraced house was destroyed and two more partially collapsed in the blast.

Eight other properties and 20 cars were damaged by debris, Nottinghamshire Police said.

About 50 people from 35 properties were evacuated, and while many have returned, a number are still in temporary accommodation.

Part of John Street is still cordoned off while demolition and investigation work continue.

One other person was treated for minor injuries, police said, but everyone in the area had been accounted for.

Bassetlaw District Council and Nottinghamshire County Council, along with the police, have thanked the public for their patience and cooperation in the aftermath of the emergency.