A late-night explosion ripped through an empty terraced house in Bradford, leaving four people hurt and neighbouring properties badly damaged.
The blast happened just after 10pm on Saturday on Southfield Lane. A man, woman and child living next door were treated for minor injuries. A 27-year-old man, who was found seriously hurt close to the site, was later arrested on suspicion of theft.
Police confirmed a second suspect, aged 28, was arrested the following day on suspicion of stealing metal. Both men are in hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.
Police Link Explosion to Metal Theft
West Yorkshire Police believe the two men were attempting to remove metal from the unoccupied property when the explosion happened.
Superintendent Lucy Leadbeater said:
“A number of enquiries remain ongoing into this serious incident. While the cause of the explosion remains under investigation, we are looking into reports of a metal theft at the property prior to the incident.”
Neighbours Left Shaken
The force of the blast was felt across the street. Paula Newsome, who lives nearby, said she was getting ready for bed when her house shook.
“It wasn’t just a bang, it was a boom. The whole house shook. My pets were terrified and I was left shaking, not knowing what had happened,” she recalled.
When she stepped outside, she saw rubble scattered across the road.
“There was just a hole where this house used to be. Most of the building was on the opposite side of the road. There were so many emergency services here, it was unbelievable.”
She later discovered debris had fallen inside her own loft. “When I finally calmed down enough to try and sleep, I saw dust and bits of plaster on my pillow. Luckily it looks like just surface damage.”
Emergency Response
Fire crews, paramedics and police attended the scene within minutes. West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service said specialist search teams, including dogs, were deployed to check the wreckage. Utility engineers also worked through the night to make the site safe.
Two neighbouring homes suffered heavy damage and their residents were forced to leave while checks were carried out.
Community Impact
The explosion has raised concerns locally about safety in empty properties and the risks of metal theft. Police say investigations are ongoing and the damaged property has now been secured.
Key Takeaway
Four people were injured but no one remains in a life-threatening condition. Police believe the explosion was linked to a suspected metal theft, with two men now under arrest.
