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Two injured and dozens evacuated in house explosion

Alex Moss & Andrew BartonYorkshire
Brandon Parkinson The image shows the rear side of a row of older brick terraced houses, viewed from an elevated or slightly angled perspective. The focus is on a section of severe structural damage affecting one of the properties. In the centre of the image, one house has extensive vertical damage running from the roofline downward. A large section of the brick wall has collapsed or been blown outward, exposing the interior structure.Brandon Parkinson
Police said they received a report of an explosion at a property in Cambridge Street at about 05.45 BST

An investigation has been launched after two people were injured and dozens of homes evacuated following an explosion at a house in Scarborough.

Crews were called to the property on Cambridge Street at 05:46 BST, North Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service said.

A spokesperson said about 50 to 70 nearby homes and businesses had been evacuated as a precaution and a cordon remained in place.

The Yorkshire Ambulance Service (YAS) confirmed two people had been taken to hospital but did not give an indication of their condition.

A specialist incident support unit was sent to the scene, as well as crews from Scarborough, Sherburn and Robin Hood's Bay.

In a statement shortly after 12:30 BST, a spokesperson for North Yorkshire Fire Service, said: "Fire crews will be leaving the scene shortly and handing the incident over to other agencies.

"The cordon and road closures remain in place at this time. An investigation into the cause of the explosion is ongoing."

The image shows a junction that has been partially closed off in a town centre with shops, traffic lights, and multiple vehicles.
Alison Hume MP urged members of the public to "stay away from the area"

Fire crews had been working alongside the ambulance service, police and the gas board.

A YAS spokesperson said: "A number of ambulance resources, including three ambulances and the Hazardous Area Response Team were dispatched to the scene as part of a multi-agency response.

"Two patients were conveyed to hospital."

Lou Lambert The image shows an emergency response scene on a residential street. A shopfront with the sign BOHEMIA is visible on the right side. A bright yellow NHS ambulance is parked on the street, with the rear doors open.Lou Lambert
About 50 to 70 nearby homes and businesses have been evacuated as a precaution

Dave Bigsby owns Lillys Reptile Rescue on Victoria Road, which is inside the cordoned-off area

He said: "It's an absolute mess. The explosion has devastated the building and the one next door.

"Most businesses in the area are shut due to the cordon, and I expect to be fully closed all day."

He said North Yorkshire Police had permitted him to go into his premises to check on his animals.

Lou Lambert, 49, said: "I was just walking my son to the bus stop at about half past seven and saw people out on the street.

"One old lady had been standing for more than an hour, so we took her to a police car to get warm."

Alison Hume, Labour MP for Scarborough and Whitby, thanked the "emergency services and other key workers for attending" the incident.

In a statement on social media, she wrote: "I also want to thank staff at The Street for offering refreshments and shelter to evacuated residents."

The MP also urged members of the public to "stay away from the area so those on scene can do their jobs".

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