Neighbour pays tribute to Edinburgh house explosion victim

A neighbouring property was also extensively damaged in the blast

A neighbour has paid tribute to an 84-year-old man who died after an explosion destroyed a house in Edinburgh.

Gary Taylor said the victim, named locally as James Smith, was a "lovely man" and recalled how they often spoke about football.

A 43-year-old woman and a man, 54, were also taken to hospital following the blast in the Baberton area of the city.

Meanwhile, investigations to establish the cause are continuing.

Police Scotland said the alarm was raised at about 22:25 on Friday but added there were no suspicious circumstances.

On Saturday the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) confirmed two properties were affected and said the victim was pronounced dead at the scene.

Mr Smith is understood to have lived next door to the property that was completely reduced to rubble.

Gas distributor SGN said it was too early to speculate on the cause.

Gary Taylor lived near the victim and described him as "a lovely guy"

Gary Taylor, who lived in the same row as Mr Smith, told BBC Scotland News: "It is just so sad. He was a lovely guy.

"I always had a chat with him about the football and everything else.

"He was just a nice guy. Always pleasant. Always the same. I will miss him".

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Mr Taylor's home was damaged as a result of the blast and he has yet to be told when he will be allowed to return.

He admitted he was a "bit shaky" after the explosion and added: "You never expect this will happen to you or where you live."

One neighbour, who did not wish to be named, previously compared the blast to "a bomb going off."

The house was completely destroyed in the blast

Investigations continued at the scene of the blast on Sunday

The house was completely destroyed and the force shook dozens of properties nearby.

Rubble, including large chunks of masonry, was strewn across the street and several cars were also damaged.

Alison Broadhurst, 26, was getting ready for bed in her home a street away.

She described the sound as "terrifying" and said all the car alarms nearby were going off.

Ms Broadhurst also said she could smell gas in the immediate aftermath of the blast.

Gas engineers and police officers at the scene

The SFRS said five appliances and specialist services were involved in the operation until 06:39 on Saturday.

Area Commander David Dourley said: "Our crews worked tirelessly in extremely challenging conditions to search for casualties, evacuate surrounding properties and make the area safe.

"Sadly, one male casualty passed away at the scene, and our thoughts are very much with his family, friends and all of those affected by this incident at this difficult time."

He added a joint investigation with Police Scotland was now under way.

Locals survey the damage on Saturday from behind the police cordon

SGN confirmed it was brought in to assist 999 crews.

A spokeswoman said: "Our engineers worked with the emergency services to ensure the immediate vicinity in Baberton Mains Avenue was made safe in our role as the gas emergency service.

"Our deepest sympathies are with the family of the man who has tragically died as well as those who have been injured.

"While it is too early to speculate as to what has happened, we are working closely with the authorities to help discover the cause."

The Health and Safety Executive said it was making inquiries into the incident.

Local politicians also expressed concern for those affected by the tragedy and thanked the emergency services.