RESIDENTS have spoken of their shock after an explosion in Poole wrecked houses and left two people injured.

As reported in the Daily Echo yesterday, a man and a woman in their sixties were injured after the semi-detached property in Sterte Road collapsed in the blast.

The man, aged 66, was airlifted to a hospital in Bristol with serious injuries. He was also arrested on suspicion of causing criminal damage with intent to endanger life. He has since been released under investigation and remains in a serious condition.

The woman was treated for minor injuries after being rescued by firefighters.

CCTV footage from a nearby property shows a huge plume of dust from the explosion at 1.45pm and debris hurled into the road.

Police officers were continuing their investigation at the property yesterday, while gas engineers from SGN returned to the site to re-connect gas supplies to five properties which were cut off on Monday.

Dan Brown, of SGN, said: “Because of the complexities of the site, this work is likely to continue over the coming days.”

The explosion is suspected to have involved gas cylinders that were in the property.

Steve Purton, who owns one of the neighbouring properties damaged in the blast, told the Echo he and his wife would not be able to return home “for some time”. They were evacuated on Monday and will be living in hotels and other temporary accommodation for the time being.

“I’ve been given a notice from Poole council that part of my property is considered to be dangerous,” Steve said.

“I’m in talks with my insurance company at the moment. I don’t think they’re fully aware of the situation they’re dealing with, but they only need to look at all the news stories.

“I’m already out of pocket as I’ve had to pay a £500 excess for repairs to my car, which was also heavily damaged.”

He added: “When I emerged from my house, I couldn’t take in what I’d seen. The blast sent rubble everywhere. It was like something out of that 999 programme from a few years ago. I never expected something like this to happen.

“With the state of the gable wall and roof of my property I want it torn down and rebuilt.”

Other residents in the immediate vicinity who were evacuated following the incident have been able to return home.

One neighbour, who did not wish to be named, said she was “very shocked and surprised” after what happened.

While the man and woman involved lived in separate flats in the property, they were reportedly once married.