COPS have arrested a man on suspicion of arson after a fire erupted at a rural house causing it to explode.
Dramatic scenes unfolded in the quiet Lancashire village as the blast ripped through a house on Carr Lane in Hambleton.
An aerial view of the aftermath of the explosionCredit: Dave nelson
The aftermath of the blaze which gutted a houseCredit: Dave nelson
Fire crews battle to fight the flamesCredit: Dave nelson
Fire crews rushed to the scene following a 999 call just before 10am.
Neighbours were forced to flee their homes amid safety fears, with a cordon put up around the area.
A 54-year-old man was arrested at the scene on suspicion of arson with intent to endanger life.
He was taken to hospital by paramedics with minor injuries, the North West Ambulance Service confirmed.
No one else was hurt in the explosion.
A Lancashire Police spokesman said: “A small number of surrounding properties have been evacuated and Carr Lane remains closed whilst our colleagues carry out work to ensure the safety of the area.”
They added the incident is being treated as isolated, with investigations ongoing.
Firefighters from multiple stations, including Preesall, Bispham, Fleetwood and Blackpool South Shore, are at the scene, along with a specialist aerial ladder platform.
Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service urged locals to steer clear.
They warned: “Please avoid the area to allow emergency services to work safely and efficiently.
“If you can see or smell smoke, please keep all windows and doors closed as a precaution.”
A cordon in place at the sceneCredit: Dave nelson
Eze Chidiebere Paul
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