A man has been committed to crown court accused of causing a suspected gas blast that ripped through a Sunderland street.
Ian Lenaghan, 59, appeared before South Tyneside Magistrates’ Court charged with criminal damage with intent to endanger the lives of Gordon Rodham and Lynne Holland.
Lenaghan, of Whickham Street, Roker, Sunderland, did not enter a plea and was remanded in custody to appear at Newcastle Crown Court on May 4.
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Emergency services were called to Whickham Street at around 3.45pm on February 15 this year, following a suspected gas explosion. Two people were taken to hospital with serious injuries as a result, and have since been discharged.
An investigation has been ongoing into the circumstances surrounding the blast.
Detective Sergeant Alan Whittle, of Northumbria Police said: “Enquiries have been ongoing ever since this incident and I would like to thank everyone – from our partners to the local community – for their cooperation and patience.
“I would ask that everyone respects the live proceedings and please refrain from any speculation, both on social media and in the community, that could jeopardise the case.”
