Man in court charged with explosion in Sunderland

Ian Lenaghan, 59, of Whickham Street, Sunderland, was accused of criminal damage with intent to endanger life the lives of two people. 

His appearance at South Tyneside Magistrates' Court follows an incident in Whickham Street, Roker, at about 3.45pm on February 15 when officers were called to reports of an explosion.

Two men were taken to hospital with serious injuries as a result, which resulted in a significant emergency service response. They have since been discharged from hospital.

Lenaghan was not asked to plead to the charge. 

The case was committed to Newcastle Crown at 10am on May 4 and Lenaghan was remanded in custody. 

An investigation has been ongoing alongside a range of partners including the Health & Safety Executive (HSE) into the circumstances surrounding the explosion.

Read more: Suspected gas explosion in Roker area of Sunderland

Detective Sergeant Alan Whittle, of Northumbria Police, said: “Enquiries have been ongoing ever since this incident and I would like to thank everyone – from our partners to the local community – for their cooperation and patience."

“We believe the cause of the explosion to be suspicious, and as such, a man has now been charged in connection with the incident

“I would ask that everyone respects the live proceedings and please refrain from any speculation, both on social media and in the community, that could jeopardise the case.”

Anyone with information is asked to contact police via the ‘Tell Us Something’ page of our website or by calling 101 quoting reference NP-20220215-0653.

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