Long wait for return after blast

Two of the houses have been demolished

Families living near a house which was ripped apart by an explosion have been warned they may have to wait six months before returning home.

Moira Dickson, 80, died when the blast destroyed her home and badly damaged neighbouring properties in Grey Street, North Shields, last Wednesday.

The cause of the explosion has still not been established.

Two houses at the centre of the blast were demolished at the weekend and four families are still unable to return.

Brian McGuire lives in Grey Street with his wife and son. They are currently staying at his son's flat.

The roof of Mr McGuire's house was lifted and windows and doors were broken.

Heavy rain since the explosion means that the interior of the house has been badly damaged.

Mr McGuire said: "You have just got to carry on. The family has been rallying around.

"They have told us to go and find somewhere to live for six months. Hopefully we will get in earlier but they have told us to lease somewhere for six months."