Cheltenham house blast: Seven families not back in homes

Seven families are expected to spend a second night in a hotel after being evacuated from their homes following a gas explosion at a house in Cheltenham.

Emergency services were called to the terraced house in Rosehill Street, near Sandford Lido, on Thursday evening.

Ms Betty Hodgkiss, 81, who was rescued from the wreckage is said to be "doing well" in hospital. She is bruised but her injuries are not life-threatening.

The house was totally destroyed in the explosion.

Gloucestershire Police said about 20 homes on the road were evacuated.

A spokesman said 11 properties had been "severely damaged" in the blast and a neighbouring property would probably have to be demolished.

People living in seven properties, who were not able to return home, spent Thursday night in the nearby Langton Hotel or with family and friends.

The spokesman said "long-term accommodation and support" for those affected was being provided by the force.

The central part of Rosehill Street is likely to remain closed for the "foreseeable future" but the rest of the street is open and the rest of the residents are returning back to their properties, the spokesman added.