A CORDON put in place after a fatal house explosion yesterday morning (Thursday) has lightened allowing people to return to their homes.

At about 2.30am on December 27 emergency services were called to Launcelot Close, in Andover, after a blast destroyed one house and severely damaged another.

After their arrival crews pulled the body of a 48-year-old man from the wreckage. The man's next-of-kin have been informed.

READ: Man dies after explosion at home in Launcelot Close

To ensure the safety of residents living nearby, a cordon was put in place blocking part of King Arthurs Way and stopping some residents from being able remove their cars, but this has now been eased.

A cordon remains in place around the row of houses affected while investigators try to determine how the explosion was caused.

This morning (Friday) police and gas engineers remain in the area and the scene of destruction has been fenced off.

And last night some residents affected spent the night in hotels as the cordon stopped many from returning to their homes.

Leader of Test Valley Borough Council, Councillor Phil North, said: “Following the suspected gas explosion in King Arthurs Way the council has been working with partners to arrange emergency accommodation for all those evacuated from their homes. We can confirm that everyone evacuated has somewhere to stay while investigations are ongoing and have either been put up in hotels or have decided to stay with friends or family.

“Everyone has really rallied around to help each other and I would like to thank the local community for their support, as well as the emergency services who are doing a great job in an incredibly difficult situation.

“We have received offers of donations of household essentials and we are incredibly grateful for these but at this stage we are working with our partners to understand how we can best meet the needs of those families affected by the incident.”