THE emergency services have provided an update on one of the men who were rescued from a house after it was destroyed by a gas explosion.

Northumbria Police have said the condition of one of the occupants had since deteriorated after the house on Whickham Street, Sunderland, exploded on Tuesday.

In a statement, a spokesperson for the force said: “At 3.45pm yesterday we received a report of a suspected gas explosion at an address on Whickham Street, Sunderland.

Read more: Live updates as home left destroyed after explosion in North East street

“Two men were taken to hospital. One man’s condition has since deteriorated and he is currently in a critical but stable condition.”

The Northern Echo: Picture: JIM SCOTT Picture: JIM SCOTT

The force initially said that two men had been taken to hospital, one to Sunderland Royal and one to the RVI in Newcastle, with blast injuries.

However, they said that the injuries of the two men were not deemed to be life-threatening.

Yesterday, first pictures from the scene showed the cale of devastation as the roof was left clear of its tiles, first floor collapsed and the ground floor caved in.

The two properties concerned in the incident are owned by housing management company, Gentoo which said nearby residents had been evacuated.

A spokesperson said: "Gentoo was made aware of a major incident today at 3:45pm that occurred at two Gentoo flats on Whickham Street in Roker.

“Reports indicate this may have been a gas explosion, however investigations are ongoing, and we are cooperating with the emergency services and the local authority.

“We are doing everything that we can to offer as much support as possible to tenants, including providing temporary accommodation.

“The safety of our residents is our priority and we have staff at the scene offering support. We are clearly concerned for the wellbeing for the two confirmed casualties that have been taken to local hospitals. Our thoughts are with the casualties and their families at this difficult time.”

The Northern Echo will be bringing you updates as it happens.

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