POLICE and firefighters are at the scene of an explosion at a home in Andover this morning in which a body of a man has been found.

Emergency services were called to a house which collapsed in Launcelot Close, King Arthur's Way in the early hours of this morning (December 27) after reports of an explosion at 2.30am.

One house has been destroyed while another has been severely damaged.

The Gas Board representatives are also at the scene with reports gas was the cause of the explosion.

READ: Witness describes running into damaged home in bid to find injured

A joint statement from Hampshire Fire and Rescue Service and Hampshire Constabulary read: "Hampshire Fire and Rescue Service and its Urban Search and Rescue teams are continuing to search the scene.

"A number of neighbouring properties were evacuated as a precaution.

"Hampshire Fire and Rescue Service worked closely with colleagues from Hampshire Constabulary and South Central Ambulance Service.

"A joint fire and police investigation is underway."

A friend of the family believed to be directly involved in the incident said: “Everyone in the community ran to help. It was about the community, protecting the community, helping people.

“All we have at the moment is hope.”

The family friend added her house shook as a result of the explosion, the noise from which woke her.

One neighbour, who wished to remain anonymous, however said they slept through the incident.

They said: "We slept through the whole thing and woke up to see it all so shocking and sad.

"A window hit our car but that's nothing compared to what's happened."

Sniffer dogs have been seen searching through the rubble and police cordons are blocking cars and pedestrians getting in and out of the estate, according to an eyewitness.

MP for North West Hampshire Kit Malthouse has passed on his condolences to the family of those affected and said he was briefed by Test Valley Borough Council leader Councillor Phil North on the situation this morning. 

And town councillor Andy Fitchett said: "My thoughts and prayers for all those affected. Devastating news for the families involved.

"I understand King Arthur's Hall is open for all those who are affected.

"I encourage people to let the police and relevent authorities carry out their investigations and not treat speculation as fact. This is, of course, very serious with the entire block affected and it will take time for these investigations to be conducted."

More to follow..