A MAN is fighting for his life after an explosion tore the roof off a first floor flat.

Police believe a gas leak at the property, in Longley Street, Arthurs Hill, Newcastle, was ignited by a lit cigarette.

A man, in his twenties and thought to be squatting at the flat, was taken to Newcastle General Hospital suffering from severe burns. He was being treated in intensive care yesterday.

The force of the blast at the flat in Longley Street, Arthur's Hill, in the West End of Newcastle, sent rubble and debris into the street.

The area was cordoned off residents from nearby properties were evacuated.

Structural engineers were assessing the damage yesterday. The main gas supply had been cut off and the building may have to be demolished.

Initial tests revealed no problems with the main pipe but further tests will be carried out once council chiefs have visited the property.

Firefighter John Foreman, from West End station, said: "There was a high danger of the building collapsing. The entire side of the property was blown out and most of the roof was missing with debris all over the road.

"The next door property was also affected which had a couple in bed at the time.

"They were very, very lucky for it not to have been worse."