Demolition work starts at site of fatal explosion

An excavator is being used to remove debris at the site of the explosion in John Street

Demolition work at the site of a fatal house explosion in Nottinghamshire has begun.

David Howard, 53, was found dead in the rubble following the blast - on 12 April in John Street, Worksop - which also saw nearby houses and cars damaged.

The work started on Monday after a Nottinghamshire Police search of the site ended, according to Bassetlaw District Council.

Chief executive David Armiger said three homes had "gone", and about 10 further properties needed "significant work".

Police said David Howard's family had been notified following his death

Meanwhile, several residents remain out of their homes after 14 neighbouring properties were evacuated.

An excavator is being used to remove debris, while homes across the road from the explosion site are having shattered windows replaced.

Mr Armiger said: "I think it's fair to say it has been one of the most challenging things we've been involved in, but not just for us, obviously for the residents as well."

He confirmed some houses on the streets had now been returned to their owners and insurance companies, but said "there's still quite a lot of work to do before people can actually come back in and live in them".

The main demolition work at the site started on Monday

"What we're hoping is within, at some point this week, that the main site demolition will be completed," Mr Armiger added.

"We can then board that up, and then hopefully return the vast majority of people.

"Now, part of the difficulty is knowing whether all the houses are structurally safe, so it's quite possible that some of the adjacent properties will be left vacant for a period of time whilst we make sure that they are safe to be reoccupied."

A 43-year-old man, arrested on suspicion of murder following the explosion, was questioned and later released on bail.

Three houses were badly damaged in the blast