A man has been left with serious injuries following a devastating explosion in County Durham. 

Emergency services raced to Coronation Terrace, in Willington, at around 1.30am on Monday morning after a blast tore through a property. 

Shocking pictures from the aftermath showed how the terraced home at been left decimated by the incident, with the entire roof section destroyed and rubble strewn across the street. 

Other images taken by residents overnight show flames and smoke pouring from the home into the darkness. 

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A cordon was erected around the home while police, fire crews, and gas teams worked at the scene, while residents were evacuated from their homes. 

A Durham Constabulary spokesperson said: “Officers responded to reports of a house explosion at around 1.30am today (June 24) in Coronation Terrace, Willington.

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“A man sustained serious injuries during the incident and has been taken to hospital by paramedics for treatment.

“A cordon has been put in place around the property while emergency services work at the scene. Nearby residents have been evacuated as a precaution and people are advised to avoid the area.”

The North East Ambulance Service has been contacted for further information.