Cheltenham house blast: Properties assessed for structural damage

Engineers are checking if houses in Cheltenham, damaged in a gas explosion, are structurally safe.

One homeowner on Rosehill Street has already been told his house will have to be pulled down after the incident on Thursday.

Betty Hodgkiss, 81, whose house was destroyed in the blast, is still recovering in hospital.

Seven families spent a second night in a hotel after being evacuated from their homes following the blast.

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

Ms Hodgkis, 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 police spokesman said about 20 homes on the road were evacuated. He said 11 properties had been "severely damaged" in the blast.

The central part of Rosehill Street is likely to remain closed for the "foreseeable future", the spokesman said.