Man dies after explosion and fire at Wolverhampton house

Emergency services were called at 3.16pm to the detached property on Rylands Drive, off Mount Road, Penn, where flames spread from the first floor into the roof.

The victim was confirmed dead at the scene, which is the second house explosion in the area within a few days.

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Police said they were not treating today's tragedy as suspicious. Neighbours spoke of a large explosion, and said they had seen DIY being carried out by the householder earlier in the day.

Thirteen firefighters from Fallings Park and Tettenhall were at the scene, along with the air ambulance, police and National Grid.

It is currently unknown what started the blaze, but firefighters confirmed that a gas explosion was not the cause.

West Midlands Police spokesman Lee Page said: "We are currently supporting West Midlands Fire Service at the scene of an explosion at a property on Rylands Drive, Penn, Wolverhampton, which was reported at around 3.25pm today.

"The road is currently cordoned off by officers. We have no further information at this stage."

West Midlands Ambulance spokesman Chris Kowalik said: "Wearing personal protective clothing and using breathing apparatus, the Hazardous Area Response Team entered the building with the fire service where they found the body of a man. He was confirmed dead at the scene."

The scene is not far from Penn Road, where a house was demolished in a gas explosion last week.

This evening, residents were being allowed back into their homes as they spoke of their shock at the tragedy.

One woman described seeing some coming from the roof of the house, before a large number of police cars arrived to seal the road off.