A HOUSE was severely damaged when a gas boiler exploded yesterday.

Smoke from the explosion and resulting fire could be seen three miles away, and the walls of the bungalow were cracked.

The explosion, in Campion Drive, Guisborough, east Cleveland, shook the street but no one was seriously hurt.

Part of the roof of the house was blown off and deposited in the garden.

David Hobson, station officer at Coulby Newham Fire Station, attended the scene.

He said: "A couple were in the house at the time but they were unharmed save for a slight burn on the lady's arm.

"There was a lot of damage in the loft. I know there were many things precious to the couple, including photographs, in there that were badly damaged.

"We spent a long time getting that down and making the place safe. There were concerns that the conservatory could fall in."

A spokesman for British Gas confirmed that an engineer had been to the house before the explosion. She said: "One of our engineers visited the house to service the boiler. We cannot speculate on what caused the explosion but we are working alongside the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) in their investigation.

"We are also visiting the house to offer support and assistance to the customers."

An HSE spokesman said an investigation was being completed with help from British Gas and Transco.

She said: "A boiler in the house had just been serviced but it is too early say what caused the explosion."

The owners of the house, who were being comforted by neighbours, declined to comment.