Heysham explosion death: 'No quick answers' in investigation

George's parents said the two-year-old "was so precious to us"

There will be no "quick answers" in the investigation of a house explosion which killed a child and left four others injured, a fire chief has said.

Two-year-old George Hinds died in the blast on Mallowdale Avenue in Heysham, Lancashire, early on Sunday morning.

A 44-year-old man and a woman aged 50 remain critically injured in hospital, Lancashire Police said.

Assistant chief fire officer Ben Norman said investigators were working in "the most awful conditions".

He said officers were "very much moving to slow time, to methodically work through what is a very, very difficult site".

He added that investigators were viewing a gas explosion as "the most probable cause, but we'll only confirm that clearly when the experts make their conclusions, which won't be a quick process".

Two houses collapsed and a third was seriously damaged in the blast

Assistant chief fire officer Ben Norman said officers were "very much moving to slow time"

George Arthur Hinds was described by his parents, Vicky Studholme and Stephen Hinds, as their "beautiful little angel."

Ms Studholme and Mr Hinds were also injured in the blast, which happened at 02:40 BST.

Two houses collapsed and a third was seriously damaged.

Ch Insp Chris Hardy said while inquiries had begun, "I must stress that we are faced with an extremely complex scene which needs painstaking and forensic investigation".

"I appreciate that the community are concerned and want answers, but I'm afraid it is likely to take some considerable time before we are in a position to provide them," he added.

"I would like to appeal to anyone who may have information which could assist our investigation to come forward."

Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service said a major incident was declared after the explosion and about 40 people were evacuated from their homes.

Staff at the Hurley Flyer in Morecambe have been sorting through donations

Heather Brandwood, who runs the Hurley Flyer pub in nearby Morecambe, said she had asked people to donate clothing and toiletries for evacuated residents.

"The community have been absolutely amazing. They arrived in their hundreds, they were queuing in their cars to deliver clothes, toiletries, food," she said.

"We've had 300 messages offering furniture so people have something to start with.

"People have really risen to the cause, it's very humbling."