Worksop gas explosion: Police rush to 'emergency' as locals urged to avoid area

swarmed a residential street in on Saturday night (April 12) following reports of an "explosion" that sparked a major police response.

Locals reported hearing a loud bang at around 7.30pm on John Street, prompting a swift response from Nottinghamshire Police. The force confirmed officers were at the scene of an "emergency incident" shortly before 8pm and urged members of the public to avoid the area until further notice.

Jonathan Hodson, 51, who lives on nearby Trent Street, : "We were in our back garden and we'd literally just lit the fire pit, we were looking forward to a chilled out evening.

"Then we heard an almighty explosion, fence panels were rattling and the windows were shaking."

In a statement shared on social media, Nottinghamshire Police said: "We are currently at the scene of an emergency incident in John Street, Worksop. Please avoid the area until further notice. Further updates to follow."

In a later update, they said: "We are currently at the scene of an explosion in Worksop. Emergency services were called to John Street at 7.39pm after an explosion inside a house.

"The terraced property has been partially destroyed, with damage also reported to adjoining properties. Multiple houses in and around John Street have been evacuated as emergency crews work to account for all local residents."

Emergency services are currently working to "account for all local residents".

Several nearby roads have been closed and people are advised to avoid the area. Fire services have since confirmed the incident involved a gas explosion.

Nottinghamshire Fire and Rescue Service tweeted: "We have a large number of appliances from both @nottsfire and @DerbyshireFRS in attendance at the incident in Worksop. This is a gas explosion involving a house that has been significantly damaged. We are working hard with partner agencies to resolve this incident."

In videos circulating social media, serious damage can be seen on a building in John Street, with onlookers stopping to look at the scene.

The road remains closed in both directions, with a police cordon in place from Crown Street to Sandhill Street, as emergency crews work to assess the situation.

It is not yet known whether there is any threat to public safety or if any arrests have been made.