Images showed the length of the house was wrecked, with debris covering the street and back garden. Officers recovered the body of a man from under debris following the blast.
David Howard, 53, was identified as the man who died at the scene. His daughters have been informed and are being supported by specially trained officers,
A 43-year-old man was arrested and questioned on suspicion of murder, the force said. He has since been bailed pending further investigation.
Lead investigator detective chief inspector Ruby Burrow said: “Our thoughts remain with David’s loved ones at this extremely difficult time.
“Whilst we have made an arrest, I want to be really clear that our investigation remains at a very early stage and we are doing everything possible to establish what caused this deeply tragic incident.
“It remains too early to say whether there is a criminal element to this case and would ask that people avoid speculation.”
Two neighbouring properties partially collapsed as a result of the explosion and eight others, as well as 20 cars, were damaged by debris, according to emergency services.
About 50 people from 35 properties were evacuated and have been supported by District Council and
Some of the displaced spent Saturday night in the Crown Place Community Centre which was offered as an emergency shelter.
Anyone with information has been asked to contact 101 quoting incident 612 of 12 April 2025.
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