Gas blast houses to be demolished

The scene of the explosion, taken by North Shields resident Paul Craig

Two terraced houses at the centre of a gas explosion which left a woman dead and her 63-year-old husband seriously injured are to be demolished.

Moira Dickson, 80, of Grey Street, North Shields, died when the blast destroyed her home and badly damaged a neighbouring property on Wednesday.

Her husband suffered serious burns and the effects of breathing in smoke. Four others received minor injuries.

Checks on gas mains have so far uncovered no leaks.

A spokesman for North Tyneside Council said: "A decision has been taken on safety grounds to demolish numbers 43 and 44 Grey Street, North Shields. These are both council properties.

"The demolition will take place when the investigation at the scene of the incident is complete."

A woman who was living at 43 Grey Street will be kept in temporary accommodation by the council until she can be rehoused, the spokesman added.

Private home owners have been advised to speak to their insurers.

After the explosion, North Tyneside Council set up a resource centre in the Linskill Centre, Linskill Terrace, to provide food, accommodation and support to those affected.

The Health and Safety Executive said it had started an investigation and was liaising with police.