Body found after Weymouth gas explosion

The remains of a body have been recovered following a suspected gas explosion at a house in Weymouth.

Fire crews were called to the blaze in Preston just after 1.40pm on Sunday following reports of a blast.

At the height of the flames, five fire engines were at the detached house in Sutton Road, Dorset Fire and Rescue Service said.

It is understood that further identification of the body has not been possible.

An investigation into the incident has been launched by the county's fire and police services. South Western Ambulance also attended the scene, which remained cordoned off on Sunday evening.

Chief Inspector Steve White, of Dorset Police said officers were called to the property following an explosion "accompanied by smoke and the smell of gas."

Mr White added: "The cause of the fire is unknown at this stage, and so the death remains unexplained at present.

"No formal identification (of the body) has taken place and the coroner has been notified.

"Dorset Fire and Rescue Service investigators and Dorset police are working closely together to establish what started the fire."