Man in hospital after house blast

Six neighbouring houses were evacuated

A man has been taken to hospital after a suspected gas explosion ripped through a house in south Leeds.

Emergency services were called to the property on Middleton Park Road near the Middleton Arms public house.

West Yorkshire Police said a 56-year-old man had been taken to Leeds General Infirmary for treatment to his injuries and remains in a stable condition.

Engineers from the gas company Northern Gas Networks were at the scene and six houses were evacuated.

The gas company is owned by a consortium of four partners, including United Utilities Plc.

On Saturday a United Utilities spokesperson said: "We have thoroughly checked the gas main today and the network is sound.

"We are not responsible for Friday's incident.

"This matter is now in the hands of the Health and Safety Executive."