Two people have been taken to hospital after a gas explosion blew the roof off a house in Sunderland this afternoon.
Emergency services are still dealing with the incident which happened just before 4pm and local residents are urged to follow the guidance of police and fire officers at the scene.
Emergency services remain at the scene and a cordon has been set up after a gas explosion, ChronicleLive reported.
A Northumbria Police spokesperson said: “At 3.45pm today we received a report of a suspected gas explosion at an address in 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.”
The Great North Air Ambulance confirmed that they also attended the incident in Roker, Sunderland.
They landed at 4.10pm with a doctor and a paramedic on board.
Images emerging from the incident show the widespread damage caused by the explosion which ripped through homes.
They also show the extensive emergency response still present at the scene.
A spokesperson for North East Ambulance service confirmed that two people had been hurt during the explosion, and taken to hospital as a result.
They said: "One patient has been taken to Sunderland hospital. A second patient has been taken to the RVI in Newcastle.
"Both patients suffering from blast injuries.
"Paramedic crews and a Hazardous Area Response Team are at the scene. The air ambulance is on the scene in support of the police and fire services."
A Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service (TWFRS) spokesperson said: “We can confirm crews are in attendance at an address in Sunderland, after reports of a gas explosion at a property.
"Four appliances are currently at the scene along with our Aerial Ladder Platform (ALP) vehicle. Residents in the area are advised to follow the direction of firefighters and police who are currently at the scene.”
Those affected can get temporary accommodation through Gentoo, a housing association in Sunderland.
