Demolition work after blast 'a very slow process'

The blast destroyed a home and damaged neighbouring properties

A council boss says investigation work and the demolition of houses affected by an explosion in a town in Nottinghamshire is a "very slow process".

Evacuations were carried out at 14 neighbouring properties when a house exploded in John Street, Worksop, on 12 April and the body of a 53-year-old man, named by police as David Howard, was recovered under debris.

Three houses are set for demolition but police forensic work at the scene is ongoing.

David Armiger, chief executive at Bassetlaw District Council, told the BBC: "It is a very slow process and we are making sure it takes place very carefully."

The explosion was declared a major incident by the emergency services

About 20 people were allowed 15 minutes to return to collect "key items" such as clothes but are still not able to go home.

Mr Armiger said on Saturday there was "no definitive timescale" for when they will be able to return.

He added the council was working with the police and contractors to ensure the demolitions happen in a "precise, safe and controlled manner".

"Due to the nature of the explosion, adjacent buildings are having to be taken down very steadily to enable us to protect people who are working there," he said.

"It is a very forensic approach to demolition.

"The police investigation is still ongoing and our registered building inspectors remain on site to assess building safety.

"Our building control team will continue to support the police until they hand over the scene to the council."

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