Three people are in hospital after a house was destroyed in a suspected gas explosion. Emergency services rushed to a property in Lancaster Road, Yate, following reports of a blast. Horrifying pictures from the scene show huge flames devouring what remains of the house, destroyed by the suspected explosion.

Fire services are at the scene and the cause has initially been reported as a gas explosion. A spokesperson for Avon Fire and Rescue Service said: "We currently have multiple crews on scene at a property on Lancaster Road, Yate to reports of an explosion. Crews are currently working at the scene, and we would advise locals to avoid the area. More information to follow."

Affected residents were evacuated to the Farmhouse Pub and served coffee, tea and toast. Some were still in their pyjamas and dressing gowns.

An Avon and Somerset Police spokesperson added: ''Officers are supporting Avon Fire and Rescue Service at the scene of a suspected gas explosion in Lancaster Road, in Yate, at 6.50am this morning (Tuesday 29 April).

''Three people have been taken to hospital with injuries which are not believed to be life-threatening or life changing. A fourth person has sustained minor injuries and was seen to by the ambulance service.

''A cordon has been put in place and a number of properties have been evacuated. A refuge centre has been set up at a nearby public house.

"Members of the public are being advised to avoid the area and keep the roads clear while emergency services are at the scene.''

Lorraine Carter, 57, a family and pupil support welfare officer, was evacuated to the pub garden after the blast woke her up.

She said: "I was woken by a boom, a very loud noise. My house shook. I live about 100 yards from the house. It was like nothing I have heard before. It woke me up, so initially you're not quite sure what it was, but I hadn't experienced it before.
 
"I couldn't see anything initially either side of the house and then the first thing we saw was a thin plume of black smoke. We saw the neighbours running towards it and about 15 or 20 minutes later the fire engines and emergency services arrived."

Another resident added: "My mum was in the garden and saw it happen ... She saw water flying into the sky, flames going up, so she ran round the corner just to see what had happened.

"The door was locked and she tried passing the key through the letterbox so that they could open the door. I think the woman inside was actually scared, as you would be, and was trying to get the key in the door but was struggling to. I think the explosion happened then the flames came up five minutes after."