Explosion that killed boy, 2, and destroyed two houses caused by cut gas pipe

An explosion which completely destroyed two houses and tragically killed a toddler was caused by a cut gas pipe, a police investigation has revealed today.

Two-year-old George Hinds sadly died in the blast in Heysham, Lancashire, in the early hours of May 16.

The police enquiry is now being classed as a criminal investigation after officers identified the cause of the explosion as a cut gas pipe inside one of the properties.

Firefighters, police and paramedics scrambled to Mallowdale Avenue at around 2.30am after residents were woken by the sound of a blast.

Two homes were completely collapsed as a result of the explosion, while another was seriously damaged.

George Hinds was killed in the gas blast in Heysham (Lancashire Constabulary / SWNS)

George's parents Vicky Studholme and Stephen Hinds were also injured and rushed to hospital but have since been discharged.

Two other people - a man aged 44 and a woman aged 50 - remain in hospital with injuries described as critical.

Detectives, assisted by gas experts, have been carrying out a fingertip search of the scene following the explosion and have now identified the cause of the explosion as a gas pipe which had been cut inside No. 20, Mallowdale Avenue.

Enquiries are ongoing into how and why the pipe came to be severed.

The explosion completely destroyed two houses (SWNS)

George's parents were also injured in the blast but have since been released from hospital (Lancashire Constabulary / SWNS)

Lancashire Police Detective Chief Insp Jane Webb, of the Force Major Investigation Team, said: "My thoughts first and foremost remain with George's family and loved ones at this time, as well as those others affected by this incident.

"An incredible amount of work has been done at the scene in a relatively short space of time and as well as identifying the source of the explosion we have also managed to recover some items of George's, which I know means a lot to his parents.

"Our focus now is on trying to establish how and why the pipe inside No. 20 came to be cut and those enquiries are complex and lengthy.

Police are now investigating how and why the pipe inside No. 20 was cut (Sky News)

"I would like to thank the community for their help so far and I want to continue to appeal to anyone who may have information which could assist our investigation to come forward and contact us. Even if you think the information you have is insignificant or irrelevant please tell us and we can be the judge."

Police have now completed their forensic examination of the scene and it has been handed over to the local authority.

Anyone with any information should contact police on 101 quoting log 0180 of May 16th or on the Major Incident Portal here.

Alternatively contact independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.