A MAN remains in a critical condition after a house blast in Darlington.

The incident happened in Wordsworth Road, Darlington on Monday night.

The victim, named locally as John Metcalf, is said to have been blown through a window at the property and set on fire.

He was taken to the Royal Victoria Infirmary in Newcastle.

Chief Inspector Sue Robinson of Darlington Police, said: “Our forensic teams have been inside the address and work will continue alongside our fire colleagues to establish what happened to cause the fire.

“A man is still in hospital in a critical condition.

“We would urge anyone who has not already spoken to police who thinks they may have information to come forward.”