A man was seriously injured and several homes evacuated after an explosion at a home in Exmouth this morning.
An air ambulance was called to the scene after the blast with the road closed to non-emergency vehicles.
The man is reported to have suffered burn injuries and was airlifted to hospital.
A Devon and Cornwall Police spokesperson said: "Police, paramedics and the fire service have been called to an address in Hartley Road, Exmouth, following reports of a fire in a flat at around 9.40am.
"One person is reported to have been injured and has been taken to hospital.
"The extent of any injuries is not known at this time. The air ambulance landed in the town as part of the incident.
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"Hartley Road is currently closed and residents have been evacuated from the property.
"The incident is ongoing."
The cause of the blast has not been established but the fire is out with one crew remaining at the scene as of 11.45am.
Last night there was violence on Exmouth beach with a police officer assaulted.
Cllr Joe Whibley said: "I politely but urgently request that the police commissioner for Devon and Cornwall consider the allocation of extra resources to Exmouth in light of the continuing problems of fighting and disregard for social distancing regulations.
"I am incredibly sad to see these sights in the Town I represent and in order it retains its reputation for being the friendly, welcoming town we know it is, action is required immediately."
