Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent

Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.

Child killed as 'suspicious' gas blast levels Oldham homes

 

Jonathan Brown
Wednesday 27 June 2012 10:56 BST
Comments
The scene at Buckley Street yesterday
The scene at Buckley Street yesterday (PA)

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

A child was killed and a man seriously injured in an explosion that tore through terraced houses yesterday. Two-year-old Jamie Heaton died after what was thought to be a gas blast reduced three houses to rubble in Shaw in Oldham, Greater Manchester.

Police said that detectives investigating the explosion are treating the death as suspicious. A spokesman from Greater Manchester Police said they were aware of rumours about a domestic incident last night and appealed for information.

Rescuers were continuing to sift through the rubble last night to find one person still trapped in the debris.

Local people described smelling gas and hearing a massive explosion in Buckley Street at around 11.15am. The injured man was taken to Wythenshawe Hospital by helicopter.

Neighbour Alex Perkins said: "It's like a war zone... There's nothing there, just bricks on the floor.

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in