Homes evacuated after explosion

HOMES were evacuated and a number of roads wereclosed following an explosion at a house in Warrington early this morning.
A 92-year-old woman – the occupant of the house – was treated by paramedics at the scene, but later transferred to Warrington Hospital with a minor injury to her hand. She is not thought to be serious harmed but was badly shaken.
There were no other casualties.
Cause of the blast at 7.12am at a house in Cinnamon Lane, Fearnhead, is not yet known, but police say there are no suspicious circumstances. Gas engineers were called to the scene and reported a strong smell of gas.
As a precautionary measure, four properties on either side of the affected house were evacuated.
Road closures were put in place along Cinnamon Lane and adjoining roads and motorists were advised to avoid the area. But by 9.30am, roads were re-opened,
A police spokeswoman said the house had been extensively damaged and an assessment was being carried out by the borough council as to its structural safety.
Picture, by Warrington-Worldwide reader Cllr Geoff Settle, of the damaged house.