Ashton-under-Lyne house explosion leaves several injured Published duration 9 August 2016

media caption The facade of the house has been completely destroyed

At least 10 people were injured in a suspected gas explosion at a house in Greater Manchester.

The blast caused the terraced house in Ashton-under-Lyne to collapse at both the front and back, Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service said.

Three people inside suffered "severe lacerations and burns" while others suffered minor injuries, firefighters said. They were taken to hospital.

Neighbours in Curzon Road said they heard the explosion at about 04:45 BST.

media caption At least 10 people were injured in the explosion

It is understood a number of those injured were neighbours who had come to help the three trapped in the house.

Fire service incident commander Alan Ashworth said a man, woman and their adult daughter lived at the property and had dialled 999 after their smoke alarm went off.

"We were on our way to the fire when the explosion happened," he said.

image copyright GMFRS image caption The roof of the neighbouring house has been damaged in the explosion

Nearby resident Carmel O'Neill said: "It was about quarter to five and we heard this big, massive explosion.

"I just saw loads and loads of smoke in the air."

Another resident Charlotte Lisle, who lives a few streets away, said her home "shook" with the blast.

"It was like a bomb went off - it woke the whole street.

"There were proper high flames."

'Screaming'

She added she saw the family who lived in the house in the street.

"They were in a mess, they were screaming."

A woman called Leanne who told the BBC her parents lived in the house said: "My mum and dad got out the window [and my] sister got out on the roof.

"Don't know their injuries yet - they're all in hospital and they're all stable."

Leanne, who lives nearby, said the whole house was a "mess and everything was lost... but they're all all right".

image copyright GMFRS image caption It is understood a number of those injured were neighbours who had come to help the three trapped in the house

At the scene: Michelle Adamson, BBC Radio Manchester

It is still the scene of a major operation here.

There is smoke billowing out of what used to be a mid-terraced house - the front and back wall completely destroyed and most of the roof as well.

It has also damaged properties either side - bricks have fallen out of the right-hand side property. There is a big hole in the roof and the glass has been blown out of the windows of the adjacent properties as well.

The air is thick with the smell of smoke.

Gas and electricity supplies have been turned off at the house and four neighbouring properties. The roof of the house next door has been badly damaged.

Mr Ashworth, said: "We had one person who brought a mattress for one of the casualties to get out.

"We have stabilising equipment on both sides of the building as there is a potential risk of collapse. We are aware of two collapses so far and therefore are trying to prevent another. Therefore the cordon and road closures will remain in place for now."

image copyright GMFRS image caption The cause of the blast is unknown

The North West Ambulance service said one patient was taken to the Manchester Royal Infirmary, another to Wythenshawe Hospital and others to Tameside General Hospital.

Other casualties admitted themselves to hospital.

Curzon Road, Whiteacre Road and Clinton Street are all closed and people have been asked to avoid the area if possible.

Police and firefighters are carrying out a joint investigation into the blast which is believed to have been caused by gas.