Residents return after suspected gas explosion

The houses were affected by the blast on 10 June

Residents who were forced to evacuate following a suspected gas explosion at a house in Derby earlier this month have been able to return, the council says.

One man was critically injured and a dog was rescued following the blast in Eden Street, Alvaston, on 10 June.

The house and two adjoining properties had to be demolished and residents from several neighbouring homes were also unable to return.

Derby City Council said utility workers would be carrying out "repairs and reinstatement works" on the street until next week.

Once these works are complete, the road closure that has been in place since the explosion will be removed and Eden Street will fully reopen, it added.

The blast badly damaged terraced homes in Eden Street, Derby

However, the council warned there would then be a full closure of access to Belmore Way.

The authority said it was exploring whether it would be possible to provide a permanent footpath or cycleway between Eden Street and Belmore Way in the future.

A council spokesperson said: "When a major incident like this happens, it takes time for the community to recover as well as for reconstruction work to happen.

"We'd like to thank everyone affected for their patience, resilience and support for each other over the last few weeks.

"We ask that the community be given space and compassion as residents return."