Demolition work has continued on two Sunderland homes following a 'substantial' gas explosion.
Emergency services were called to Whickham Street in Roker just before 4pm on Tuesday following a gas blast, which saw two men taken to hospital.
One injured man was taken to Sunderland Royal Hospital, while another was transported to Newcastle's Royal Victoria Infirmary for immediate care.
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Both were being treated for 'blast' injuries, with Northumbria Police initially saying that heir lives were not thought to be in danger.
However, the police force confirmed on Wednesday that one man's condition had deteriorated overnight, leaving him in a 'critical but stable condition'.
A spokesperson from Northumbria Police, said: "At 3.45pm yesterday (Tuesday 15 February) we received a report of a suspected gas explosion at an address on Whickham Street, Sunderland.
"Two men were taken to hospital. One man’s condition has since deteriorated and he is currently in a critical but stable condition."
Neighbours on the row of terraced properties were also evacuated from the scene, and are currently being kept away from the area until it is deemed safe once again.
Emergency services, Northern Gas engineers and inspection teams were all present at the site yesterday, alongside Sunderland-based housing association Gentoo, who are in charge of the affected property.
Gentoo Chief Executive Nigel Wilson, yesterday said: "Two men were taken to hospital. One man’s condition has since deteriorated and he is currently in a critical but stable condition.
"Colleagues were on site almost immediately with the emergency services supporting the residents here impacted by it and working to provide them with some alternative housing for yesterday and then looking at working them throughout the day.
"We were on site with the emergency services until very late last night helping them carry out the checks they need to.
"We're back out on site today working with the health and safety executive and the gas people who are obviously carrying out their investigation.
"We have a structural engineer due out on site shortly to look at the safety of the building and what then can be done in terms of securing that and then hopefully in due course giving access back to the residents so they can collect their things.
"In the meantime, housing colleagues are continuing to work with residents to get them all the support they need."
Gentoo also confirmed that eight residents were affected by the blast - with the two known residents taken to hospital, two others were taken to a nearby hotel, while four others stayed with family members overnight.
Demolition works initially began on the two flats on Wednesday, with a crew arriving to clear debris and break down the weakened structures in a bid to make the area as safe as possible.
As a result of Wednesday's work, the roof's structure was completely removed, and a large portion of debris from inside the upstairs portion of the property was removed.
The demolition crews clocked off at around 5pm on Wednesday, but returned once again on Thursday morning to continue clearing the wreckage.
It was a slow process once again, as crews attempted to make the scene as safe as possible.
An excavator was on site to clear out the bulk of the debris, while targeting structurally weak points, while on the ground, team members supervised and went inside the building at points for further inspection.
Work is expected to continue over the coming days, while teams attempt to completely clear the site.
As it stands, Whickham Street remains closed in both directions due to the gas leak and unsafe structural damages between the A1290 Church Street North and Zetland Street.
Metal fencing and bollards were also set up to prevent public access down the street.
