House blast ‘was arson attack’

A devastating explosion which ripped through a house in Smethwick, almost destroying it, is being treated as arson, police revealed this afternoon.

See also: Video: explosion causes huge fire

Photos: explosion at house in Smethwick

Officers today confirmed they have launched a criminal investigation after the blast which rocked Edgbaston Road on Monday shortly before 5pm.

The bay windows in the three-storey property were blown 25 yards out on to the street by the force of the explosion and residents reported seeing furniture fly out of the building.

Firefighters and police officers who were called to the scene said it was a miracle no-one had been injured.

Police have launched an appeal for anyone who was in the area on Monday afternoon to contact them.

Spokeswoman Joanne Hunt said: “Police and fire investigators say the explosion at the property in Smethwick is now being treated as arson. Police inquiries into the incident continue and we are appealing for anyone who was in the Edgbaston Road area particularly between mid morning and 5pm on Monday to contact the CID at Smethwick police station on 0845 113 5000.”

Officers say no-one has been arrested and they are yet to reveal the cause of the explosion.