Emergency services raced to an explosion in Bradford, West Yorkshire. Several victims made it out and were treated by medics. The home was left severely damaged
Locals were left shocked after a house exploded on a residential street – leaving four people needing medical treatment in West Yorkshire.
Emergency services rushed to the property in Bradford shortly after 10pm on Saturday. Firefighters, medics and police attended the scene as responders scrambled to treat wounded locals who were affected nearby. The horrifying incident took place on Southfield Lane.
Pictures and videos captured the aftermath of the blast, showing debris scattered across the street. In one image, the house could be seen in a collapsed state. On Sunday, West Yorkshire Police issued an appeal searching for a man wanted in connection to the incident.
Jacob Ryan, 28, is wanted on suspicion of theft. It is possible he may have been injured in the process. A man, aged 27, was arrested on suspicion of the theft of metal, where the blast took place. He was taken to hospital with serious injuries, however, they are not deemed life-threatening.
READ MORE: Westfield shopping centre evacuated as huge fire engulfs building and public sent urgent warningREAD MORE: Four young kids die in horror house fire after mum ‘leaves them unsupervised at home’
West Yorkshire Police said a man, woman and a boy from a nearby house were hospitalised with minor injuries. The road was closed off with emergency vehicles. Witnesses recalled hearing a loud bang, leading to concerns of suspected gas leak, according to UKNIP. West Yorkshire Fire Services confirmed it sent specialist teams including the Technical Rescue Unit and Urban search and rescue team.
West Yorkshire Fire Services said at the time of the incident: “Domestic property, reports of house explosion with no fire, 2 casualties walking wounded in care of paramedics, further casualties are unaccounted for, the technical rescue unit and the urban search and rescue dog are attending to carry out further searches.”
A Yorkshire Ambulance Service spokesperson said: “We were called at 10.11pm Saturday evening to reports of an explosion in Southfield Lane, in the Little Horton area of Bradford. We sent a number of resources to the scene. We treated 4 patients and conveyed them to hospital. We left the scene around 2.00am on Sunday morning.”
Superintendent Lucy Leadbeater of Bradford District Police, said: “A number of enquires remain ongoing into this serious incident today. While the cause of the explosion at this empty property remains under investigation, we are investigating reports of a metal theft taking place there just prior to the incident. One man arrested on suspicion of involvement in the theft was seriously injured and we are seeking to locate a second man, who we can name as Jacob Ryan, in connection with the theft offence.
“It is possible Jacob may have been injured as well, and we urge him or anyone who knows him to come forwards. It is important we make sure he has access to any medical treatment he may need. Anyone who can assist enquires in any way is asked to contact Bradford District CID on 101 referencing police log 1857 of 13 September. Information can also be given online here or anonymously to the independent Crimestoppers charity on 0800 555 111. “