Police on scene of Middlesbrough house explosion as man, 57, airlifted to hospital with severe burns

Emergency services remain at the scene of a suspected house explosion in Middlesbrough which has left one person severely burned

A man in is being treated for serious burns in hospital following an explosion at a house in Middlesbrough.

The 57-year-old was airlifted to the Royal Victoria Infirmary, in Newcastle, after the incident, in Kirkland Walk, which was first reported at 12:40pm on Tuesday 18 June.

Emergency services and Northern Powergrid remain at the scene where they are currently working together to make the area safe.

Cleveland Police said 12 houses were affected by the explosion, with houses in Kirkland Walk and nearby Errington Avenue having been evacuated.

The force is urging people to stay away from the area of the explosion while residents affected are being directed to a local school.

The extent of devastation can be seen in footage from above the house

District Commander, Superindendent Marc Anderson, said: "Whilst there is currently no wider threat to public safety, members of the public should avoid the area.

"Overdale Road is currently closed between Ettington Avenue and Gilmonby Road. There is no access to Frampton Green from Ettington Avenue.

"Anyone concerned about housing needs or support can visit Park End Primary School which has now been opened as a reception centre for residents.

"We thank local residents for their patience as we continue to deal with this incident."

Cleveland Fire Brigade echoed officers' call for residents to avoid the area.

A spokesperson said: "We received a call on 18/06 at 12:42 alerting us of a suspected explosion at a residential property.

"Three fire engines are in attendance from Grangetown and Middlesbrough.

"We urge members of the public to avoid the area whilst Cleveland Fire Brigade, Cleveland Police and North East Ambulance Service work together at the scene.

"We want to thank local residents for their patience as we continue to deal with this incident.”

Meanwhile, a NEAS spokesperson said: "We received a call to 999 at 12.42 this afternoon to reports of a house explosion on Kirkland Walk, Middlesbrough.

"We sent a duty officer, a clinical team leader, two emergency ambulance crews, a rapid response paramedic, a doctor, four Hazardous Area Response Teams and the air ambulance.

"One patient has been transported to the RVI by air with severe burns."

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