Man jailed after causing Derby house explosion

A man has been jailed for causing a house explosion in Derby by deliberately cutting a gas pipe.

Two neighbouring properties on Eden Street were so badly damaged following the explosion, they had to be demolished.

Paul Solway and the family dog had to be rescued from the rubble after the explosion on June 10th 2025. Solway spent several weeks in hospital with severe burns.

A police investigation found it was deliberate and had been caused by the ignition of natural gas following deliberate tampering with the gas supply main.

Police said after disconnecting the gas main in the basement of the house, Solway then set fire to a chair in the kitchen which caused the gas to ignite.

The 58-year-old was later arrested and told police he had no recollection of the day. He later admitted six counts of damaging property, being reckless as to whether life was endangered.

Today (April 8th) he was jailed for 11 years and must serve at least two-thirds before being considered for release.

Detective Constable Shaun Carter, who led the investigation, said: “Solway’s decision to cut this gas pipe left him in hospital but also caused distress and devastation to other members of the community in Derby.

“Almost a year has passed since this incident yet many families are still dealing with the impact of his reckless and dangerous actions.

“I know that no sentence can give these people back what they lost, particularly those who lost their homes, but I hope that knowing he is now behind bars for some time will help them to begin to look to the future.”

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