Police launch murder investigation after massive explosion leaves one man dead

Murder squad detectives were investigating the cause of the explosion, which demolished two other terraced properties.

The victim, believed to be 26-year-old Emad Qureshi, was crushed under rubble.

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Devastation: Three houses were destroyed in the gas explosion

The 17-year-old next-door neighbour who made the call, known only as Charlotte, was badly burned.

She was pulled from the rubble by other residents of the street in South Harrow, North-West London, late on Wednesday.

A 26-year-old friend of Mr Qureshi, who was visiting him, was also rescued after suffering severe head injuries.

Police believe the explosion came from Charlotte's ground-floor flat, which was used by a charity as a refuge for youngsters who have recently left care.

They must, however, wait until the scene is made safe before they can investigate the cause.

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Search: Fire crews battled to rescue survivors from the rubble of the two-storey buildings

Terrifying: The blast could be heard five miles away

Mr Qureshi's body has yet to be recovered.

A gas leak was initially suspected but the property did not have a gas supply.

Police believe the explosion may have been started deliberately and are treating Mr Qureshi's death as suspicious.

Originally from Pakistan, he recently finished a post-graduate degree in computing and was looking for a job.

The conditions of Charlotte and Mr Qureshi's friend are not life-threatening and they were able to speak to police yesterday.

It is not yet known if the 999 call Charlotte made at about 11am on Wednesday was linked to the explosion.

In a brief call, she said she felt threatened by a group of rowdy girls outside her house but then told the operator they had gone away so the police did not need to come.

The explosion happened shortly after 9.30pm.

It destroyed No 21 Stanley Road, where Charlotte lived, No 23, Mr Qureshi's home, and No 19.

The residents of No 19 and the upstairs flat of No 21 were out at the time, as was Mr Qureshi's brother, who lived with him.

One window was flung 80 yards by the force of the explosion and other properties were also damaged.

Last night, at least 40 local residents were staying in hotels as recovery work continued.