Gas canisters found in house explosion wreckage

A large number of gas canisters have been found in the wreckage of a house following an explosion which left two men critically injured.

Emergency services were called to reports of a blast at a terraced house in Coventry Street, Halifax, in the early hours of Thursday, followed by a series of smaller bangs.

West Yorkshire Police said a "large number" of butane gas containers had been found at the property, adding that it expected there to be "speculation in the community" about the cause.

Northern Gas Network, who also attended on Thursday, said the incident was "not suspected to be related to our network".

Det Ch Insp Clare Smith said: "We understand that there will be speculation in the community about what has happened and the cause of this explosion.

"We can confirm that a large number of butane gas canisters were found in the property and these form part of our ongoing enquiries.

"We are working alongside specialist fire investigators to ensure a comprehensive investigation is carried out into this incident."

Northern Gas Networks said it had disconnected the gas supply to 14 properties in the area at the request of emergency services.

It added: "We are working closely with the emergency services to support the incident, which is not suspected to be related to our network."

CCTV footage from a nearby house captured the explosion before people could be seen running from their homes and shouting "get out of the house".

Police confirmed the two critically hurt men, who had been in the same house, remained in hospital. A third person received treatment at the scene for minor injuries.

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