Two injured as emergency services attend scene of explosion at house in Co Down

Two people have been injured in an explosion at a house in Co Down.

Emergency services attended the scene of an explosion in the Dakota Avenue area of Newtownards.

In a statement, the Northern Ireland Fire & Rescue Service said: "Two casualties were out of the property prior to firefighters arriving and were treated by NIFRS, Air Ambulance NI and Northern Ireland Ambulance Service (NIAS) at the scene.

"One casualty was transferred to hospital by NIAS.

"Firefighters wearing breathing apparatus used gas monitors and thermal imaging cameras to inspect and make the property safe.

"All adjacent properties were also checked by NIFRS. The incident was dealt with by 5.13pm. The cause of the explosion was determined as accidental and the scene was left with NI Housing Executive."

The public have been asked to avoid the area.

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