Man held after house explosion

A man was arrested and houses evacuated after explosions and fire caused "extensive damage" to a house on Merseyside yesterday.

Police were called to a blaze at an address in Tarbock Road, Huyton, just before 7am on Christmas morning.

There were no reports of injuries or casualties, but residents of neighbouring houses were forced to leave their homes for several hours as a precaution amid reports of explosions at the scene.

Merseyside Police said: "Emergency services were called at around 6.55am to reports of a fire at the address.

"Officers are working with Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service to fully establish the cause of the fire.

"A man has been arrested in connection with this incident."