After the explosion, a man with serious injuries was taken to hospital

One man has been seriously injured in a devastating explosion in County Durham.

Emergency services rushed to Coronation Terrace in Willington at 1.30am on Monday morning after an explosion destroyed a building.

Shocking pictures from the aftermath showed a terraced house on the street decimated in the incident, with part of the roof destroyed and rubble strewn across the street.

Other photos taken by residents at night show flames and smoke billowing from the home into the darkness.

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A cordon was established around the house, police, fire brigade and gas crews were working on the scene, and residents were evacuated from their homes.

A Durham Police spokesman said: “Officers responded to a report of a house explosion at around 1.30am today (June 24) in Coronation Terrace, Willington.

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“As a result of the incident, the man suffered serious injuries and was taken by paramedics to hospital for treatment.

“A cordon has been placed around the property while emergency services work at the scene. As a precaution, local residents have been evacuated and people are advised to avoid the area.”

North East Ambulance Service has been contacted for further information.