Wythenshawe explosion: Man, 91, dies in house blast

Frank Burton, pictured far right with his brothers Philip and Norman, was killed in the explosion

A 91-year-old man has died in an explosion in which part of a house was destroyed.

Frank Burton was killed in the blast in the Wythenshawe area of Manchester shortly after 18:30 BST on Thursday.

Mr Burton's brother, Philip, described him as a "genuine guy" and said he was "very well thought of".

Greater Manchester Police said investigations were ongoing into the cause of the blast after first being alerted to reports of a gas explosion.

Plumes of smoke could be seen rising from the house and nearby homes were evacuated.

Det Insp Matt Dixon said the force was keeping an open mind about the circumstances leading to the incident as inquires were in the early stages.

He said they were working with Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service and gas network Cadent to establish what happened.

But he said there was nothing so far to suggest any criminality in the blast on Brownley Road.

"It is believed this was a self-contained incident and there is no threat to surrounding properties," Det Insp Dixon added.

"Many families were displaced last night but are back in their homes today, and the properties either side have not been damaged."

Police said there was nothing so far to suggest any criminality in the blast

Mr Burton's younger brother Philip said the family were "very shocked" at the news of his death.

"I modelled a lot of what I did in my life on his pride in his job," he said.

He said his brother would not pick up the phone or answer the door sometimes due to a hearing impairment.

Following the explosion, several properties were without power and road closures were put in place.

Matt Muncaster, who lives nearby, said he was getting off a Metrolink tram at Crossacres when he heard the blast.

The windows of the house were blown out, he said, followed by a "huge amount of smoke".

The 27-year-old said he "instinctively" ran over to the property alongside another man, and both attempted to kick down the front door in case anyone was inside.

When they were unable to gain access they ran to nearby Wythenshawe fire station to raise the alarm, he said.

Philip Burton said his elder brother was "very well thought of"

Nigel Stanley had just arrived home from work when he heard the loud bang and thought there had been a car crash.

"We couldn't see anything until the smoke started coming over," he said.

Mr Stanley said he was allowed to return to his home just after midnight.

At the scene

By Mat Trewern, BBC Radio Manchester

An investigation is under way into the circumstances that led to the explosion

On a bitterly cold morning in Wythenshawe, residents are waking up to the desperately sad news that a man has died.

It is a scene of complete devastation and destruction on this busy residential road.

All the windows have been completely blown out and upstairs you can see into the property.

Several homes were evacuated with some residents able to return hours later.

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