Man dies in Clayton-le-Woods house collapse blast

Emergency services were called to Kirkby Avenue at about 13:30 BST

A man in his 50s has died after a house collapsed in an explosion, police have said.

Emergency services were called to Kirkby Avenue in Clayton-le-Woods, Chorley, at about 13:30 BST.

Lancashire Police earlier reported the incident was a suspected gas explosion.

Gas company Cadent confirmed it was at the scene to support emergency services but said it was "too early to say what caused this".

Nearby residents have been evacuated and a cordon has been put in place.

One neighbour told BBC Radio Lancashire: "My wife thought a washing machine had blown up until we went outside and the whole of the front of the house had blown out completely."

Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service (LFRS) said search and rescue dogs had been assisting in the search for casualties.

It said seven fire engines were at the scene and advised residents to close windows and doors if affected by any smoke.

A spokesman said the urban search and rescue team were assisting at the scene.

Nearby homes were evacuated after the blast

A spokesman for Cadent said: "We are at the scene of this incident to support the emergency services and ensure everything related to gas is safe.

"We'll thoroughly check the local gas network and we will support the authorities as they look into all possible causes."

Police said an investigation into the exact cause of the blast was ongoing.

Firefighters are searching for casualties

Nearby roads have been closed and people have been advised to avoid the area.

A spokeswoman for North West Ambulance Service said: "Our Hazardous Area Response Team (HART) is currently on the scene, along with a MERIT (Medical Emergency Response Incident Team) doctor, an ambulance and an operational commander."