FLATS have been wrecked and two people injured in a 'gas explosion' in Poole.

Bournemouth Echo:

Police, fire and ambulance crews rushed to the scene after receiving a number of 999 calls at 1.47pm.

Witnesses said the property, believed to be divided into two flats, in Sterte Road has been totally destroyed in the explosion.

A 66-year-old man was rescued from the first floor flat and was airlifted to a hospital in Bristol in a serious condition. He was also arrested on suspicion of causing criminal damage with intent to endanger life.

Bournemouth Echo:

A woman aged in her 60s was treated at the scene for minor injuries after being rescued from a ground floor flat. It is not believed anyone else was inside the building.

Bournemouth Echo:

The cause of the explosion is being investigated.

The gas board has isolated the gas supply in the property and the focus of the investigation is on gas cylinders within the property.

A spokesman for Dorset and Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service said appliances from Poole and Westbourne were called to the scene.

He added: "Gas is believed to be involved."

Nearby residents were evacuated as a precaution, said police.

The incident happened between the A350 Holes Bay Road and Stanley Green Road.

Bournemouth Echo:

A member of the public said: "A house just blew up in Sterte Road. Glass shattered everywhere and bricks.

"There is black smoke too and loads of sirens. I heard a massive bang."

Another told the Daily Echo: "My husband is working a few doors away and he heard an enormous bang. It's really shaken him up."

Bournemouth Echo:

Detective Inspector Jamie Halford, of Dorset Police, said: “This incident required a significant multi-agency response and I would like to thank all those involved.

“We are continuing to liaise with the fire service to establish the cause and have launched a detailed investigation into the incident.

“I am appealing for anyone with information that can assist our investigation to contact us.

“I would like to thank motorists and members of the public for their patience during the road closures, which have been necessary to allow the emergency services to deal with the incident and investigate the circumstances. I would also like thank those residents who were evacuated for their co-operation.”

Bournemouth Echo:

Shortly after 4.30pm, a spokesperson from the Dorset and Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service said: "Firefighters rescued two people from a collapsed building.

"Fire crews from Poole and Westbourne were called to the semi-detached property at 1.47pm after reports of an explosion.

"A woman was rescued on arrival from a ground floor flat and was treated at the scene by South Western Ambulance Service paramedics; two firefighters in breathing apparatus then rescued a man from the first floor flat, and he has since been taken to hospital in Bristol by air ambulance.

Bournemouth Echo:

"Officers from Dorset Police have evacuated nearby homes as a precaution and a safety cordon remains in place.

"SGN is on scene and have isolated the gas supply; however, the focus of the investigation is on gas cylinders within the property."

Sterte Road was reopened once debris had been cleared away safely.

Poole council officials say a building control officer was sent to the scene to assist.

"They will be working closely with the police in the coming hours to establish the cause," the spokesperson said.

The road was shut at the junctions with Holes Bay Road, Tatnam Road  and Stanley Green Road.