Yorkshire house explosion: Man killed as home destroyed in Haxby

The explosion in Haxby, near York, reduced the house to rubble and badly damaged nearby properties

A 63-year-old man has died in a suspected gas explosion in Haxby, near York, police have said.

The explosion reduced the house to rubble and badly damaged nearby properties.

Police say there are no further casualties or injuries and there is no further risk to members of the public.

A statement from North Yorkshire Police reads: "It is believed that there was one person in the property at the time of the explosion, which was reported around 7.30am today.

"The immediate family of the deceased has been informed.

"Some neighbouring properties have also been damaged. However, gas supplied have been isolated and emergency services are working with Northern Gas Networks to investigate the possible cause of the incident."

Police, ambulance and fire crews were deployed to the scene at around 7.30am.

Medics checked over two further people at the scene, but they did not require hospital treatment.

An area around the scene of the blast was cordoned off and a relief centre has been set up in Haxby Memorial Hall for people forced to leave their homes.

Five families have been evacuated from nearby houses