A gas explosion has destroyed a flat and left two men injured after a huge blast at a Sunderland home.
Two men have been taken to hospital with blast injuries but their lives are not thought to be in danger.
The 'significant' explosion took place just before 4pm on Tuesday at Whickham Street, Roker with all the emergency services including the air ambulance called to the scene.
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Aerial photos show the extent of the damage which left the upper flat exposed and debris littering the street.
Police and fire are still at the scene on Tuesday evening assessing the damage from the blast.
A K-9 unit is on the way from Lancashire in order to sniff out any possible causalities who might possibly be still trapped in the building.
Some nearby residents have been evacuated as a precaution.
GenToo are offering those who have been affected by this event free accommodation.
Sunderland City Council staff have arrived and they have began installing a blockade around the affected area.
Whickham Street residents are being urged to follow official guidance and anyone with concerns is urged to speak to the fire service.
A Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service (TWFRS) spokesperson said: “This has been a significant explosion and there has been substantial damage caused to the property in question.
“Thankfully our crews were quickly on scene alongside our other blue light partners to assist two male casualties from the area and they have since been transferred to hospital.
“We will remain in the area alongside our partners this evening to assess the site and ensure it is structurally safe. Some residents in the immediate vicinity have also been evacuated as a precaution.
“We know this will be concerning for local residents and we would ask that anyone present in the area listens to the advice and instruction of the emergency services.”
A Northumbria Police spokesperson said: “At 3.45pm today we received a report of a suspected gas explosion at an address on Whickham Street, Sunderland.
“Emergency services are at the scene. Two men have been taken to hospital with injuries that are not deemed to be life-threatening at this time.
“Officers remain in the area alongside Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service and anyone with concerns is asked to speak to them.”
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