Man killed in suspected gas explosion near York named

More than a dozen houses have been damaged in an explosion that claimed the life of a man in Haxby, near York, police said.

A 63-year-old man named locally as Paul Wilmott died after a suspected gas explosion obliterated the house on Springwood on Friday morning.

Inspector Steve Breen of North Yorkshire Police told reporters at the scene the man's next of kin have been informed and officers are supporting members of his family.

He said it is an isolated incident, there are not believed to be any suspicious circumstances, and a gas explosion is thought to be the cause.

Inspector Breen said: "We are grateful of the support and patience of residents here, because there has been a great deal of disturbance in the street."

The man's body has now been recovered from the home destroyed in the blast. Police said that to the best of their knowledge there was only one person at the address. Formal identification is yet to take place.

A cordon around the affected area is expected to be lifted soon.