A search has been launched for a man wanted on suspicion of theft after a huge explosion at a house on a residential Bradford street.
Residents in the area around Southfield Lane in the West Yorkshire city were shaken by a ‘loud bang’ just after 10pm yesterday.
Pictures from the scene show a house with its roof and frontage completely blown off, with debris strewn across the road.
West Yorkshire Police said the house was unoccupied but the blast had caused damage to the two homes on either side.
A man, woman and boy from a house nearby were taken to hospital with minor injuries.
Sign up for all of the latest stories
Start your day informed with Metro’s News Updates newsletter or get Breaking News alerts the moment it happens.
Meanwhile, a 27-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of the theft of metal at the house where the explosion happened.
He was found close to the scene with serious injuries which are not believed to be life threatening, and was also taken to hospital.
A second man named Jacob Ryan, aged 28, is now being sought by police in connection with the same offence.
Superintendent Lucy Leadbeater of Bradford District Police, said: ‘While the cause of the explosion at this empty property remains under investigation, we are investigating reports of a metal theft taking place there just prior to the incident.
‘One man arrested on suspicion of involvement in the theft was seriously injured and we are seeking to locate a second man, who we can name as Jacob Ryan, in connection with the theft offence.
‘It is possible Jacob may have been injured as well, and we urge him or anyone who knows him to come forwards. It is important we make sure he has access to any medical treatment he may need.’
West Yorkshire Fire & Rescue Service said this morning that two people ‘walking wounded’ were being looked after by paramedics while ‘further casualties are unaccounted for’.
A search and rescue dog was assisting a technical rescue unit with further searches.
Emergency services were called to the ‘house explosion with no fire’ at 10.08pm on Saturday.
Reports suggest the blast is believed to have been cause by a gas leak.
People wearing hazmat suits were spotted combing the ruins of the terraced property following the incident.
The most significant damage appears to have been limited to the house in question, which now consists of little more than a few roof beams.
Insulation, bricks and splintered wood now fills the space where it once stood.
Images show the front door of the house on the immediate right caved in, though the damage may be the result of rescue teams forcing entry.
