Gas company statement on explosion

"Following reports of an explosion in the Howards Grove area of Southampton, our engineers joined the emergency services on site in the early hours of this morning.

We understand a 36-year-old man and 4-year-old girl who were in the house at the time have been treated at the local hospital. Our thoughts are with them and their family.

While it is too early to speculate as to what has happened, we are working closely with the authorities to help discover the cause. Engineers have made safe the gas supply at the premises and carried out safety checks in the local area. An exclusion zone remains in place while an investigation gets under way. Neighbouring properties were evacuated earlier and we are working with the local council to ensure the appropriate alternative arrangements are made for those affected."