Gas explosion demolishes OAP's home

One witness named the man as Jimmy Brown and said he appeared "quite calm" as he emerged from the rubble, more concerned about his injured dog than his demolished home.

The blast at 4.30pm on Monday left two neighbouring homes in Malmesbury uninhabitable and four others damaged but no one else was injured, Wiltshire Police said.

Speaking near the scene of the explosion, Inspector Mark Levitt said it was a miracle no one had been killed or seriously injured.

"What we've been told is that it sent shock waves through the town and the impact of the blast could be felt for miles.

"It's a miracle without a doubt that no one has been killed or injured. There is substantial damage to nearby properties. Hundreds of roof tiles have been blown off along with windows and doors."

Fifteen cars were damaged by the debris.

Mr Brown was the only person inside the three homes blown apart by the explosion, and the inspector said he was a "very lucky man".

He added that a decision would be taken about whether any of the houses would be demolished, adding: "The only way to describe it would be as if a bomb had gone off. There is rubble everywhere."

Residents who heard the bang more than half-a-mile away spoke of a 100m plume of smoke and fire and burning material jetting from the house as the stone and slate roof blew off.