Cheltenham residents evacuated from homes due to fire

A woman has been taken to hospital and people evacuated from their homes due to a house fire.

Emergency services were called to a home in the Springbank area of Cheltenham at about 21:40 GMT on Thursday.

Lukas Kapinski, who lives near the house which was severely damaged, said he "suddenly heard a really loud bang" and ran outside to see what it was.

"I saw the house on fire, and there was lots of rubble on the street," he said.

Pictures show the home has suffered significant damage

Mr Kapinski said he had been talking with his family in their lounge when he heard the noise which "really scared us".

"I ran outside to see what happened. First into the garden but there was nothing there so then I ran to the front of the house and saw people running and shouting," he added.

Mr Kapinski and a group of residents then began knocking on neighbours' doors to tell them to leave the area in case the fire spread.

Five homes were evacuated, with police, fire and ambulance staff all in attendance.

Police were still on the scene on Friday morning, along with gas supply and connection company Wales and West Utilities.

Fire crews were called the house in the Springbank area of Cheltenham on Thursday night

Mr Kapinksi said the area has an excellent community spirit and people always helped each other in times of need.

He added: "I have been here five years and I can't imagine living somewhere else. The people are so helpful, when something happens we always team up together and help each other.

"It's so scary what happened. It could have happened any time of the day, like when kids are going to school.

"It's quite a busy area with a school where my daughter goes. It could have been terribly tragic."

Police and gas company workers were on the scene on Friday morning

Another resident said they also heard a loud bang before seeing the flames.

"I was worried because my dad lives next door. He had to stay with us last night. He went back this morning and there is still no gas," they said.

"We saw the flames. It was very scary. It was open [the community centre] last night and looked after us all."

Gloucestershire Fire and Rescue Service said an investigation had been launched to determine the cause of the fire.

Nick Ashcroft, area manager, said: "We left the scene at 6am and the incident was handed over to the police.

"The service will work alongside other agencies to assist with the ongoing investigation. Crews will be going to the community this morning to provide reassurance."

'Incredibly upsetting'

Cheltenham Borough Council and Cheltenham Borough Homes said the property damaged in a "suspected gas explosion" is council-owned and they are providing support to residents.

Victoria Atherstone, cabinet member for housing, said: "The residents nearby were evacuated from the homes last night but have since been able to return home.

"Our officers have visited homes this morning to check on the welfare of the residents and if there is anything they need. The tenant directly affected is in hospital and we will of course provide every assistance, when they are able to leave.

"Events like this are incredibly upsetting for our residents and we will continue to do all we can to further offer our support."

Staff at Springbank Community Centre made more than 100 hot drinks for residents and workers overnight

Springbank Community Centre, near Springbank Primary Academy, has been opened for residents who need support or somewhere to stay.

Liam Galpin, director of Springbank Community Group, said they had sent out more than 100 hot drinks to people overnight.

He added: "We got here about 10.30pm last night and were here until 5.30am as a warm space allowing people to come in for teas and coffees, use the toilet and sit down somewhere comfortable.

"We had seven or eight people inside who had been displaced from their homes, we helped four people sat in a car around the corner, and we had a good number of firefighters, police officers and gas and electrical workers.

"There was a lot of uncertainty. People were grateful we were here."