A man who died after a house explosion in Lancashire last week has been named as Carl Whalley.
The dad, aged 57, has been described his family as a 'much loved' man at the 'centre of their world.'
Emergency services were called on Friday, October 15 to reports of a suspected explosion where a house had collapsed in the Lancashire village of Clayton-le-Woods.
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The body of a man was found inside the property on Kirkby Avenue.
Formal identification is yet to take place, though it is believed to be the occupant of the house, Carl Whalley, Lancs Live reports.
In a statement his family said: "Carl was a much loved member of the family, we are all devastated by this tragedy and no amount of time will lessen the pain that we are all going through, he was the centre of our world and it has been ripped apart."
Charlotte, Carl's daughter, added: "Everything I do in my life I do to make my Mum and Dad proud. I want to carry on in my Dad’s footsteps and make sure that his legacy lives on forever.
"He taught me everything I know and my life will never be the same without him."
An investigation into the cause of the incident was launched between Lancashire Police and Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service supported by other partner agencies and is on-going.
While a cordon remains around the property, a number of the surrounding roads have reopened and residents have been able to return to their homes.
Local authority partners are assisting with welfare for residents whose houses are within the closure area still in place on Kirkby Avenue and Claughton Avenue.
DCI Zoe Russo of Lancashire Police said: "First and foremost my thoughts are with Mr Whalley’s family at this deeply distressing time.
"Our investigation into the incident, what we now know was a house fire, is in its early stages and we our working with Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service and associated partner agencies to establish the cause of the incident.
"I would like to thank the nearby residents for their patience, especially those who have had to be evacuated from their houses.
"I would also appeal to anyone who hasn’t yet spoken to police and has any information they think may assist us in our investigation to please contact us. I would particularly like to hear from anyone who has CCTV of the surrounding area to get in touch."
Anyone with information is asked to contact 101 quoting log reference 0756 of October 15th. Independent charity Crimestoppers can be contacted 0800 555 111.
