Detectives standing guard at hospital beside of man, 33, arrested over Manchester house explosion which left two people seriously injured
Homes destroyed as neighbours compare sound to a bomb going off
DETECTIVES are standing guard at the hospital bed of a suspect arrested after an explosion destroyed two homes and left another man in a critical condition.
The 33-year-old man under police watch suffered burns to his face, arms and hands and will need surgery.
He is being held on suspicion of causing an explosion likely to endanger life after a suspected gas blast reduced homes in a Manchester street to rubble at about 12.30pm on Monday.
Three more people were treated at the scene for minor injuries.
Locals said there had been a row at the house before the blast.
Detective Inspector Dave Sinclair, leading the investigation for Greater Manchester Police, said: "Following some initial inquiries and investigations, we established there was evidence so suggest this was a criminal investigation.
"We are keeping an open mind in terms of the exact cause of the explosion, but based on evidence we have gathered so far, I'm satisfied at this stage we have evidence there is some criminality there."
A fire service spokesman said: “At 1.40pm five crews from Blackley, Ashton, Central First, Broughton and Chadderton were called to a partially collapsed end terrace in Victoria Avenue, Blackley.
Anyone with information is asked to call police on 0161 856 3101 and quote the reference number 880 of 16/01/17, or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.
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