One person critical in 'suspicious' gas explosion

Three people were taken to hospital including one person with life-threatening injuries after a "suspicious" gas explosion.

A residential terraced property in George Road, Newport was partially destroyed and neighbouring properties were damaged in the blast at 7.30pm on Saturday.

The occupant of the house was taken to hospital with life-threatening injuries and the explosion is being treated as suspicious, Gwent Police said.

A man was pulled from the rubble of the building shortly after the blast, according to reports.

A spokeswoman for South Wales Fire Service said seven fire engines rushed to the scene where 27 firefighters from six stations worked in "difficult" conditions.

Clive Book, Wales & West Utilities head of emergency service, said on an early assessment the incident appeared to be "related to internal gas pipework and not our gas network".

Despite the destruction the gas supply to surrounding homes and business was not affected.