Man charged following house explosion

A man has been charged in connection with an explosion which destroyed a house

A man has appeared in court following a house explosion two months ago.

Andrew McCubin has been charged with arson reckless to endanger life in connection with a blast at a semi-detached property in Kirkland Walk, Middlesbrough, on 18 June.

Following the explosion, the 57-year-old was flown to hospital with severe burns after being pulled from the rubble.

Mr McCubin entered no plea when he appeared at Teesside Magistrates' Court, where he also faced two charges of assault on an emergency worker.

He will appear at Teesside Crown Court on 26 September.

Residents in the square and surrounding streets were evacuated from their homes after the explosion, which damaged 11 other houses, police said at the time.

Neighbours also told how they pulled a man from the rubble of the property before he was airlifted to Newcastle's Royal Victoria Infirmary.

At the time, his condition was described as critical but stable.

Park End Primary School was also opened as a reception centre for affected residents, before they were allowed back into their homes.