Local councillors have said they were grateful there were no serious injuries following an explosion at a house.

Emergency services had cordoned off a large section of London Road and all roads leading up to an incident which happened earlier this evening (Sunday).

Neighbours said they heard a huge bang and saw rubble strewn across the road.

Shear Brow and Corporation Park Cllr Hussain Akhtar visited the scene this evening.

He thanked the emergency services and local families for their support.

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He said: “We are grateful that nobody got hurt seriously as far as we know.

“I have spoken to local residents and everyone was in shock. This could have been a lot worse.

“I also spoke to the police and the fire service who have done an excellent job in making the area safe.

“Council workers were on the scene quite quickly.”

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Cllr Suleman Khonat said: “We are very saddened to see the incident that happened this evening.

“We thank all the local residents for their swift support.

“I want to thank the emergency services for coming to help so quickly.

“We understand it was a gas explosion and I know that houses on Inkerman Street have been asked to empty for the night.

“I am very grateful for the support from everyone at this worrying time. People are shocked to see the damage.

“Let’s hope people can get back into their houses as quickly as possible.

“If anyone needs anyone help they can ring me.”

Police said one man was rescued from the property by firefighters and taken to hospital by ambulance.

His injuries are not at this time thought to be life threatening. He is believed to be the only casualty.

Police said the cause of the incident remains under investigation.