Man burnt in Oldham gas blast

A man has suffered severe burns and others are feared to be trapped after a number of homes were damaged in a suspected gas explosion in Oldham.

Emergency services are at the scene of the "very serious" incident, which is believed to involve a number of terrace properties in the Shaw area.

A spokeswoman for the North West Ambulance Service said one patient had been taken by helicopter to Wythenshawe Hospital in Manchester with 80% burns.

"We are currently assessing the scene and working closely with other members of the emergency services, with our priority being to ensure people receive the medical help they need as quickly as possible," she said.

In a statement, Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service said: "One man has been rescued following a possible gas explosion in Shaw in Oldham.

"The control room has received numerous calls from members of the public and the initial information from the public is that it involves a number of terraced properties in Duchess Street with possibly people trapped."

Steve McGuirk, chief fire officer for Greater Manchester, said in a tweet: "Just had an update on the incident in Oldham - very serious, we have crews and search and rescue teams on scene working hard."

A statement on the Greater Manchester Police website said: "Emergency services are at the scene following a large explosion in the Shaw area of Oldham. Shortly after 11.15am today, police were called to Shaw following a report that homes had been seriously damaged in a large explosion. Police, fire and ambulance services are at the scene and a cordon is being put in place."