A man has been seriously hurt in a house explosion.

Emergency services were called to Coronation Terrace in Willington, County Durham, at about 01:30 BST.

Durham Police said nearby residents were told to leave their homes “as a precaution”, with the affected property cordoned off.

The injured man was taken to the Royal Victoria Infirmary (RVI) in Newcastle for treatment.

Police have advised people to avoid the area.

“A cordon has been put in place around the property while emergency services work at the scene,” a spokesperson said.

County Durham and Darlington Fire and Rescue Service said an investigation would take place “in due course”.

Group manager Chris Williams said: “Our crews will remain in the area today alongside colleagues from Durham Constabulary, Durham County Council and Northern Gas Networks to assess the site and ensure it is structurally safe.”

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