A young boy has died following a gas explosion in Oldham, Manchester yesterday.

Around a hundred people were evacuated from the neighbouring houses after the blast, which Greater Manchester Police (GMP) said “significantly damaged” at least two houses, affecting five overall.

The body of the young boy, believed to be two, was found inside one of the houses. At this time detectives are treating his death as suspicious.

A man, aged 27, was taken to hospital for treatment to burn injuries and remains in a serious but stable condition. Police do not believe anyone else to be unaccounted for.

Gas and electricity supplies to the immediate area have been turned off as a safety precaution.

National Grid confirmed it received a report of a smell of gas in the Edmund Street and Buckley Street area of Shaw at 10.40am, followed by a second call to say there had been an explosion.

National Grid says it has now started a series of tests on the gas mains and the pipes which serve homes on the street, under the direction of GMP who have now taken control of the site and are treating it as a crime scene.

The grid operator is encouraging people to call 0800 111 999 immediately to report if they smell gas.