The suspected gas explosion happened in Kirkland Walk,Middlesbrough

Credit: Owen Humphreys/PA Wire

A burns victim who was caught up in a suspected gas explosion at a house in Middlesbrough has been airlifted to hospital.

The blast,early on Tuesday afternoon,reduced the building to little more than rubble.

Police and firefighters asked people to stay away from the scene in Kirkland Walk after the explosion,which happened at around 12.40pm.

The Great North Air Ambulance Service said: “We had two doctors and two paramedics respond to the scene,and they worked alongside the North East Ambulance Service to assess and treat a patient. The patient is being airlifted to hospital.”

A Cleveland Police spokesman urged members of the public to avoid the area while officers worked with Cleveland Fire Brigade and North East Ambulance Service,adding: “We thank local residents for their patience as we continue to deal with this incident.”

Cleveland Fire Brigade said three fire engines from Grangetown and Middlesbrough were at the scene. A large cordon was in place at the scene,where there were five gas engineers’ vans.