Fire crews reveal cause of gas explosion in Portsmouth as two remain in hospital

• Video report by ITV Meridian's Mike Pearse. Interviews include: Neighbours Vanessa Morrissey, Chris Barstow and Tommy.  

Police and fire service investigators have spent the day at the scene of a gas explosion, which left two people with serious injuries, at a house in Portsmouth.

They have revealed they believe the most likely cause of the explosion was a natural gas leak from within the property.

The exact location of the leak is unknown but the resulting gas explosion and fire started in the kitchen.

Both patients were treated at the scene by crews from South Central Ambulance Service before being taken to hospital in Southampton. The man and woman remain in a serious condition.

Emergency services were called to Nelson Avenue on Friday afternoon (22 October) just before 2pm. They left just after 9pm on Friday night. Police remained outside the house overnight.

Following the explosion, a fire spread in the ground floor, first floor and roof space of the terraced property.

A Hazardous Area Response Team (HART), four ambulance officers, two ambulance crews and the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Air Ambulance were all sent to the scene.

Firefighters from Cosham, Portchester, Southsea, Havant and Emsworth were also sent to the scene.

Fire safety advice was given out to surrounding properties.

Incident commander Paul Reddish said: "We know that there has been an explosion of some sort but are not able to say what the cause of that was at this time.

"At the moment, the property is not safe to enter. Fire investigators will be here tonight and tomorrow to try and establish the cause but that may take some time.

"I’d like to thank the public for their patience and our emergency service and local authority partners for their help and co-operation."