Residents return month after fatal house explosion

"Precise, safe and controlled" forensic investigations had led to delays in the council taking back the site

Most residents evacuated in the aftermath of a fatal explosion in a town in Nottinghamshire have returned to their homes a month on, police have said.

A 53-year-old man, named by police as David Howard, died in the blast in John Street, Worksop, on 12 April.

People living in 14 properties near to the explosion were evacuated but had been unable to return while painstaking police forensic work and the demolition of three houses took place.

With these now completed, most residents have now returned, said Ch Insp Clive Collings.

A murder arrest was made by police following the blast

Emergency services had been called to John Street just before 20:00 BST, and a major incident was declared.

About 20 residents in neighbouring homes were given 15 minutes to collect "key items" before being evacuated.

Searches that followed found the body of Mr Howard in the debris.

Police named the man found in the debris as David Howard

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

In the month that followed, "precise, safe and controlled" forensic investigations meant "no timescale" could be given on handing the scene fully over to Bassetlaw District Council and contractors to carry out structural checks and demolish three properties.

Ch Insp Collings said: "The investigative team have completed their forensic examination and we are working through the results to establish the circumstances that led to the explosion in Worksop.

"The site has been cleared and most residents have since returned to John Street.

"One suspect remains on police bail as we progress our investigation."