Lancashire explosion which killed toddler was caused by cut gas pipe
Two-year-old George Hinds passed away as a result of the blast.
Police investigating a gas explosion at a house in Heysham in which a toddler died have identified the source of the blast.
Emergency services were called to the scene on Mallowdale Avenue at about 2.40am on Sunday, May 16th.
Officers attended and found two houses collapsed with serious damage to a third property.
Very sadly toddler George Arthur Hinds, aged two years and 10 months, died as a result of the blast. Our thoughts remain with his loved ones at this distressing time.
George’s parents Vicky Studholme and Stephen Hinds were also injured, although thankfully not seriously. They were taken to hospital but have now been discharged. They continue to be supported by specially trained officers.
Two other people – a man aged 44 and a woman aged 50 - remain in hospital with injuries described as critical.
Detectives, assisted by gas experts, have been carrying out a fingertip search of the scene following the explosion and have now identified the cause of the explosion as a gas pipe which had been cut inside No. 20, Mallowdale Avenue.
Enquiries are ongoing into how and why the pipe came to be severed – enquiries which are likely to take some considerable time. The police enquiry is now being classed as a criminal investigation.
Detective Chief Insp Jane Webb, of the Force Major Investigation Team, said: "My thoughts first and foremost remain with George’s family and loved ones at this time, as well as those others affected by this incident.
"An incredible amount of work has been done at the scene in a relatively short space of time and as well as identifying the source of the explosion we have also managed to recover some items of George’s, which I know means a lot to his parents.
"Our focus now is on trying to establish how and why the pipe inside No. 20 came to be cut and those enquiries are complex and lengthy.
"I would like to thank the community for their help so far and I want to continue to appeal to anyone who may have information which could assist our investigation to come forward and contact us. Even if you think the information you have is insignificant or irrelevant please tell us and we can be the judge."
Police have now completed their forensic examination of the scene and it has been handed over to the local authority.