A MAN has been taken to hospital following an explosion at a terraced house in Trecalgo View, Camelford, last night (September 1).

The incident occurred at approximately 11.30pm, when police, fire and the ambulance service were called to the scene.

One house was badly damaged by the explosion and residents in neighbouring houses were evacuated.

A police spokesperson said: “One house was badly damaged by the explosion with the external walls blown out and the internal walls badly weakened, leaving the top floor and roof substantially unsupported.

“As a result of the damage to the terraced house, police and fire crews evacuated the adjacent properties.”

A 68-year-old man has been taken to hospital, where he is in a stable condition.

A police spokesperson added: “The only occupant of the house, a 68-year old man was taken to the Royal Cornwall Hospital where he remains in the intensive care unit in a stable condition, and he is expected to be transferred to Derriford Hospital later today.

“No one else was injured despite the houses next door and nearby cars being damaged by the blast and flying debris.”

Fire crews provided assistance to local residents and the clean-up of debris is underway.

Investigations into the cause of the explosion are underway. Police have confirmed there is no risk of further explosions at the scene, but a cordon remains in place while work is carried out to make the damaged properties safe.

Police would like to speak to anyone that believes they have information that they deem to be useful to the police investigation. Contact police via email using [email protected] or call 101 quoting 892/September 1.