Despite the best efforts of the responding emergency services, 53-year-old David Howard died at the scene after an investigation ripped through a home in Worksop, Nottinghamshire
An arrest has been made after a gas explosion at a house in Worksop lead to the death of a father. Police investigating an explosion at a house in Worksop have made an arrest as part of their ongoing inquiries into the incident.
Emergency services were called to John Street at 7.39pm on April 12 after an explosion inside a house and a major incident was declared. Despite the best efforts of the responding emergency services, 53-year-old David Howard died at the scene. His next-of-kin are continuing to be supported by specially trained officers.
Police say they’re continuing to investigate the cause of the explosion. They say they’re “keeping an open mind” at the early stage of the investigation. As part of their inquiries, a 43-year-old man has been arrested and questioned on suspicion of murder. He has since been bailed pending further investigation work into the cause of the explosion.
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.”
Neighbour Debbie Adams, who lived a few doors down from where the explosion took place, said her house shook and her dining room was filled with dust when the blast ripped through the neighbourhood.
She said: “I went into the street and saw the house totally collapsed. There was dust, and everybody was out, and nobody knew what was going on.”
Another local resident, Piotr Peruki, ended up spending Saturday night in his vehicle after the terrifying incident, which he said traumatised his 14-year-old son.
“For him it was a very bad experience, he is scared,” Piotr said. “He says he does not want to stay here, he wants to move house, he does not feel safe because maybe the accident will happen again. It had a very big impact on him.”
A spokesperson from gas company Cadent said: “The thoughts of everyone at Cadent are with all of those impacted by this tragic incident in Worksop. At this stage, there is no indication that this incident was caused by our network.”
Cadent Gas is a British regional gas distribution company that owns, operates and maintains the largest natural gas distribution network in the United Kingdom, transporting gas to 11 million homes and businesses across North West England, West Midlands, East Midlands, East of England and North London.
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