Man injured in Bulwell after basement gas explosion

The fire service said it believed there was a gas explosion in the basement of the property

A man has been taken to hospital by air ambulance after an explosion at a house in Nottingham.

Nottinghamshire Fire and Rescue Service said they were called to Commercial Road, Bulwell, at about 12:00 GMT.

It said the blast, believed to be a gas explosion in the basement, severely damaged the front ground floor of the property.

Nine nearby properties were evacuated but most of the residents have now been allowed to return home.

The blast caused major damage to the property

Firefighters from Stockhill, Arnold, Eastwood, Mansfield, Edwinstowe and Highfields were sent to the scene of the explosion.

A specialist rescue unit was also in attendance along with representatives from Nottinghamshire Police, East Midlands Ambulance Service and the gas and electric board.

Residents in the area were told to keep doors and windows closed.

Nottinghamshire Fire and Rescue Service said one person was receiving treatment at the Queen's Medical Centre for injuries directly related to the explosion.

It said these were not thought to be life-threatening.

The fire service said it had now handed the scene over to Nottinghamshire Police

Richard Ellis, station manager and incident commander, said: "The evacuation of the immediate area was done with the best intentions to keep people safe.

"Most of those evacuated are now being returned to their homes."

The fire service said it was now leaving the scene and handing it over to Nottinghamshire Police.