New Mills: People evacuated after bungalow blast return home

A man was airlifted to the Northern General Hospital, in Sheffield

The majority of residents evacuated after an explosion at a bungalow in a Derbyshire town can return home.

Derbyshire Fire and Rescue Service said it was called to Ollersett Avenue in New Mills at 08:07 GMT on Tuesday.

A man who had sustained burns was airlifted to Sheffield's Northern General Hospital and residents in 14 properties were evacuated.

The fire service said a cordon remained in place and the cause of the explosion was still being investigated.

High Peak Borough Council is continuing to urge people to avoid the area

The fire service added: "All fire engines have now left the scene of an explosion at a bungalow on Ollersett Avenue, New Mills.

"A cordon remains in place and has been left with Derbyshire Police.

"Those who were able returned to their properties this morning after the scene was made safe by firefighters and partner agencies."

Police and staff from gas distribution company Cadent were also called to the scene.

High Peak Borough Council asked people on Wednesday to continue to avoid the area while it was made safe.

Accommodation arrangements were made for all the residents who had been evacuated, the council added.

'Community spirit'

Natalie Bennett, who is a carer, told the BBC she heard "a massive explosion" when she had finished a call.

"A bunch of people were trying to get the man out. There must have been about 10 blokes lifting this guy into the garden," she said.

Sammy Kimber, the landlady of The Sycamore Inn Public House and B&B, in nearby Birch Vale, shared a post on a community Facebook group on Tuesday to offer the evacuated residents a bed for the night.

She said: "When saw it, it touched my heart. I know most of the people around here - I have been landlady for nine years now.

"I really mean it. If anyone needs anything, a bed for the night or a hot meal we're here... it is community spirit."