Search teams deployed after house explosion

A search has begun to account for residents after a house was destroyed in a gas explosion.

Nottinghamshire Fire and Rescue Service (NFRS) said specialist urban search and rescue teams were deployed on Sunday morning, after a terraced property was destroyed in John Street in Worksop.

Nearby homes were evacuated and a major incident was declared after the blast, which happened just before 20:00 BST on Saturday.

No details of casualties have yet been confirmed by emergency services.

A fire service spokesperson said: "The building involved in this explosion has been significantly damaged.

"Structural engineers will be assessing the situation later today, but people are still advised to avoid the area.

"Three fire engines remain on scene at this incident, with fire crews working alongside specialist urban search and rescue teams to account for all local residents."

Ch Insp Neil Humphris, of Nottinghamshire Police, said: "This is a major incident and emergency services will remain at the scene throughout the night.

"Multiple properties have been evacuated as we work with our partners to respond to this incident and understand how it happened."

The Crown Place Community Centre was opened for residents and police remained at the scene to provide assistance.

Karolina Ciolko, who lives nearby, told the BBC: "I was lying in bed when I heard an explosion.

"I quickly looked out the window. I saw smoke and the car in front of me rocked and the alarm went off. We quickly ran out of the house to see what had happened."