It was quite a blast, I live quite way down there and part of my side door was blown in, my next door neighbours plates were smashed, she said. Sadly at this time it means there are a number of people whose homes have been affected and therefore they cant remain in the area. No sentence I can pass will be adequate for their loss. A fundraiser and collection appeal has been launched to help those affected by an explosion in Heysham. We have no words to describe how we feel and just want time to ourselves to come to terms with what has happened. There is a woman who is in literally nothing but her nightie," she said. 2023 BBC. Parents pay tribute to George Arthur Hinds as two adults remain critically injured in hospital. We have no words to describe how we feel and just want time to ourselves to come to terms with what has happened. Sadly, we can now confirm a young child has died and four other people have been injured, two seriously. Bits of the house have been blasted metres away from where the property previously stood in Heysham, Lancashire, which is now merely a crater filled with rubble. Two-year-old George Hinds died in the blast. 'I would like to thank the community for their help so far and I want to continue to appeal to anyone who may have information which could assist our investigation to come forward and contact us. Road closures remain in place in the area surrounding the property. Watch: Record numbers of guide dog volunteers after BBC story. Horse power: Long-serving Red Bull chief CHRISTIAN HORNER on how he switches off from the high-pressure F1 environment, helped by Spice Girl wife Geri and a coterie of nags, dogs and donkeys! "My next door neighbour, she's really elderly and she was scared to go in. Emergency services remain at the scene, with a cordon expected to remain in place for several hours. Nearby residents described the noise of the blast as like a bomb going off and said debris had covered nearby streets and fields. People are asked to avoid the scene while emergency services respond. Residents have been evacuated from the area, while a safety cordon and road closures are in place, including on nearby Littedale Avenue. Mallowdale Avenue, Littledale Avenue and Kingsway are affected. Welcome to today's updates from Preston Crown Court. He initially told them he had no memory of what happened but later confessed that he alone was responsible. Sir David Attenborough explores the diverse natural habitats of Britain and Ireland. Read about our approach to external linking. By posting your comment you agree to our house rules. Two adults are "seriously injured", she added, while "the other two remain under medical assessment". He would also light frequent bonfires, fuelled with petrol, which grew out of control and was regularly abusive to those living next to him. At its peak, he said, 80 fire officers were on the scene, including two engines from Cumbria. He was also abusive when drunk and on drugs, as were his visitors. Greenham was a selfish and disruptive neighbour. George's dad turns to face Greenhall as the sentences are read out. You can also send story ideas to northwest.newsonline@bbc.co.uk, 'No quick answers' in fatal blast investigation, Boy killed and four adults injured in explosion, Six arrested over drugs and money laundering offences following raids, Rainbow Hub Workoutathon returns for ninth time at Deepdale, Bolton Wanderers player Kyle Dempsey faces possible jail term - court, Six arrested on suspicion of Class A drugoffences and money laundering following morning raids in Preston and Blackpool, Grants fund learning and land management at Cumbrian farm, Construction of Burnley 11m commercial estate to start in June, Angry protests erupt over Greek rail disaster, How fake copyright complaints are muzzling journalists, Fire knocks out half of Argentina's power grid, How 10% of Nigerian registered voters delivered victory, Sake brewers toast big rise in global sales, The Indian-American CEO who wants to be US president, Blackpink lead top stars back on the road in Asia, Exploring the rigging claims in Nigeria's elections, 'Wales is in England' gaffe sparks TikToker's trip. A MAN and a woman have tonight been charged with manslaughter after a little boy died in a massive gas blast. You can also send story ideas to northwest.newsonline@bbc.co.uk, Fatal house explosion 'not caused by gas mains', 'No quick answers' in fatal blast investigation, Boy killed and four adults injured in explosion, Six arrested over drugs and money laundering offences following raids, Rainbow Hub Workoutathon returns for ninth time at Deepdale, Bolton Wanderers player Kyle Dempsey faces possible jail term - court, Six arrested on suspicion of Class A drugoffences and money laundering following morning raids in Preston and Blackpool, Grants fund learning and land management at Cumbrian farm, Construction of Burnley 11m commercial estate to start in June, Baby's body found as police still question couple, Oakeshott: Hancock sent me a 'menacing message', Angry protests erupt over Greek rail disaster, World Book Day: 'Why I've given away 6,000 books', How 10% of Nigerian registered voters delivered victory, Greece train crash: Survivors describe 'nightmarish seconds', At the crash site of 'no hope' - BBC reporter in Greece. The emergency services, local authority and partners remain at the site and a safety cordon remains in place. Two-year-old George Hinds died in the blast on Mallowdale Avenue in Heysham, Lancashire, early on 16 May. "It sounded like a bomb went off." Our officers were first on scene to a major incident in Heysham early this morningWe're extremely proud at the response of our officers and police medics who put themselves at significant risk to assist those who needed helpOur thoughts are with all who have been affected pic.twitter.com/Zpn5xkBegY. Our thoughts remain with all the residents of Mallowdale Avenue and surrounding areas who are affected. "Road closures also remain in place and people are being asked to avoid the entire area while we deal with this ongoing incident. Forensic examination of the scene had been completed, the force said, and it had been handed over to the local authority. There are also search and rescue dogs and air support, along with police. This is the scene of the blast in Heysham. Two-year-old George Hinds died in the overnight blast in Heysham, Lancs, which left four others - including both his parents - in hospital. Sharon Greenham and Darren Greenham charged with manslaughter and theft. Officers found two houses collapsed, and a third property had suffered 'serious damage'. "A safety cordon has been put in place and nearby residents have been evacuated. Search operations continue and we are working with partners to make the area safe and investigate the cause of the explosion. He was so precious to us. By Gayle Rouncivell 24th May 2021, 5:34pm - 2 min read Updated 24th May 2021, 5:36pm An explosion has been reported at a row of terraced houses on chat around 2.40am this morning (May 16), triggering a huge emergency response. It said it has ten fire engines in attendance. My whole house shook. A nightmare neighbour who blighted residents for years faces a long spell behind bars from today (October 5) after causing a huge gas explosion that killed an innocent toddler. #newshour4u #update # SUBSCRIBE To Get All NEWS First http://newshour.tk Morecambe Gas Explosion destroys 3 houses at . He will face concurrent sentences for each three charges - the second two, theft and criminal damage will receive one month each. The community is rallying around those affected by the tragedy with the team at the Hurley Flyer pub at Westgate, Morecambe, leading fundraising efforts. Cadent North West had said earlier the gas mains and service pipes were "sound and did not contribute to or cause the explosion at Heysham". there were "no quick answers" in the investigation, Harry and Meghan told to 'vacate' Frogmore Cottage, Explosive found in check-in luggage at US airport, Fungus case forces Jack Daniels to halt construction, China and Belarus call for peace in Ukraine, Rare Jurassic-era bug found at Arkansas Walmart, Human error to blame for train crash - Greek PM, Dozens of girls treated after new Iran poisonings. Heather Brandwood set up a GoFundMe appeal after seeing the explosion on the news. Heysham explosion: Aerial shots show devastating destruction, Aerial shots show devastating destruction of the deadly gas blast, The explosion almost completely destroyed the home, George Arthur Hinds was killed in the explosion. We would like to thank the public for their patience and assistance while we dealt with this incident and express our gratitude to all our staff and emergency service colleagues who have worked extremely hard over the last few hours and continue to do so. Cabbie Anthony Davis, 58, was asleep in his caravan when the blast took place. Emergency crews declared a major incident following the blast at 2.40am this morning (May 16) on Mallowdale Avenue in Heysham. Please place items in the boxes on the tables to keep them dry in case it rains. The road is littered with roof tiles. Recorder Altham is expected in court within the next few minutes. Firefighters had said there were "no quick answers" in the investigation. An evacuation centre has been set up at Salt Ayre. George Hinds was killed in a gas explosion caused by Darren Greenham, The scene of the gas explosion in which George Hinds died, Emergency workers at the scene of the gas explosion in which two-year-old George Hinds died. When I see what those poor souls have had happen to them, its devastating.. Dan Knowles, who lives four streets away from the explosion, said he thought there had been an earthquake. We are very conscious that people were evacuated from their homes with immediate effect. heysham gas explosion charges. What did the government do about Covid and care homes? Susan Faulkner, 74, who lives on Mallowdale Avenue, said: The sound really shook me, Im still quite shaken by it. He was clearly much loved and cherished by both, the wider family and the community. Try your hand at questions from Britain's most loved shows. Greenham sat with his head bowed throughout much of proceedings at Preston Crown Court yesterday. You can also send story ideas to northwest.newsonline@bbc.co.uk, Six arrested over drugs and money laundering offences following raids, Rainbow Hub Workoutathon returns for ninth time at Deepdale, Bolton Wanderers player Kyle Dempsey faces possible jail term - court, Six arrested on suspicion of Class A drugoffences and money laundering following morning raids in Preston and Blackpool, Grants fund learning and land management at Cumbrian farm, Construction of Burnley 11m commercial estate to start in June, Angry protests erupt over Greek rail disaster, How fake copyright complaints are muzzling journalists, 1894 shipwreck confirms tale of treacherous lifeboat. Since then, they have ongoing pain and trauma which has caused flashbacks, depression and suicidal thoughts. The BBC is not responsible for the content of external sites. "The matter now lies with the police and the Health and Safety Executive for further investigation. For manslaughter, he receives a sentence of 15 years, making a total of 15 years and two months. Video, At the crash site of 'no hope' - BBC reporter in Greece, Watch: Record numbers of guide dog volunteers after BBC story. Other locals also described hearing the blast and thinking there had been an earthquake. One on occasion, the fire spread to a border fence and another time smoke could be seen two miles away. While drunk and high on drugs, Greenham cut copper pipes in his council house with the mindset to sell before being evicted from the property. Officers were called to reports of an explosion at 2.40am, she said. Read about our approach to external linking. Two-year-old George Hinds died in the blast in Mallowdale Avenue in Heysham, Lancashire, on 16 May. We have 10 fire engines in attendance and we are working with partners at the scene. Due to your consent preferences, youre not able to view this. A fundraiser set up to help the residents ofMallowdale Avenue has now brought in more than 50,000. On the night of the explosion, Greenham had arranged for the gas supply to be turned off by another person. We will automatically post your comment and a link to the news story to your Facebook timeline at the same time it is posted on MailOnline. He notes the cutting of pipes continued after the gas was cut and was part of a pattern of behaviour running for several weeks. Read about our approach to external linking. Ben Norman, the assistant chief fire officer, said an investigation into the cause of the blast would be carried out slowly and methodically. RIP little one. "He was so precious to us. Theres been lots and lots of people and police around and everyone trying to help everybody else. Electricity North West said it had paused power supplies to the area for safety reasons while the blast was being investigated. Something went wrong, please try again later. Expected to be ongoing for several hours until building assessments are complete. A GoFundMe page set up to help those affected by the blast had reached more than 18,000 by Sunday afternoon. Georges parents were also injured, although thankfully not seriously. George's mum was trapped for two hours before she was pulled from the rubble. A child was killed and four adults injured after a suspected gas explosion ripped through three homes in the middle of the night. A cordon is in place along Mallowdale Avenue as emergency services attend. George Arthur Hinds, who was just two years and ten months old, died following the blast at the property on Sunday, May 16, which caused two houses to collapse. Lancashire Police said detectives and gas experts had discovered the cause of the explosion in Heysham was a gas pipe which had been cut inside number 20 Mallowdale Avenue. Firefighters rescued five people from the site. She said people were donating clothing and toiletries to evacuated residents. Video, Watch: Record numbers of guide dog volunteers after BBC story, An audacious heist that stunned Britain. Ive never experienced that before. 17th Dec 2021, 7:33pm - 1 min read. A huge emergency response was triggered with ten fire engines, police and ambulance crews rushing to the scene. He says Greenham must have been aware that his neighbours were in close proximity as he carried out the reckless act of cutting gas pipes. As always you can unsubscribe at any time. We use your sign-up to provide content in the ways you've consented to and improve our understanding of you. The general public has been fantastic and they have risen to the challenge.. Do you want to automatically post your MailOnline comments to your Facebook Timeline? Answering the defence's submissions, he says: To give even serious injuries when self inflicted on the backdrop on the death of a child would be completely unfair. He returns to the dock today as Honorary Recorder Robert Altham passes sentence. A criminal investigation was launched in the days following the explosion and detectives, assisted by gas experts, identified the cause of the explosion as a gas pipe which had been cut inside number 20 Mallowdale Avenue. Madeleine McCann new evidence may show prime suspect's movements at time she vanished, Mourners line streets in memory of boy, 9, killed by lightning on football field, Call for 'cruel' snares that have tortured cats, dogs and lambs to be banned, Tory peer Michelle Mone tracked down on lavish holiday with husband at 7m Algarve villa bought AFTER PPE police raid - and she responds with foul-mouthed rant, Prince Harry and Meghan break silence after King Charles evicts them from Frogmore, Constance Marten's baby could have been dead for two weeks before couple arrested, Chris Pine FINALLY reveals what was said in unaired 'spit-gate' incident with Harry Styles, FA Cup quarter-final draw IN FULL as Man Utd, Man City and Grimsby learn fate, 'HE'S BETRAYED MY MUM': Devastated families of those killed by Covid say Matt Hancock's bombshell WhatsApp messages 'twist knife' in wounds, Amy Nuttall 'rumbled' husband Andrew Buchan's 'affair' over detail in new lingerie, Love Island's Olivia and Maxwell brutally dumped but are given cruel task in big twist, Matt Hancock sent journalist 'menacing message' at 1am after WhatsApp story came out, Harry and Andrew learning they won't 'get what they want' under King Charles, says expert, Emmerdale spoilers reveal new mystery as intruder leaves character terrified, Idris Elba puts on loved up display with wife Sabrina at star-studded Luther premiere, Subscribe to Daily Mirror and Sunday Mirror newspapers. Hearing the blast in Mallowdale Avenue in Heysham, Lancashire, early on 16 May no I. An explosion at 2.40am, she 's really elderly and she was pulled from rubble! Died in the boxes on the night now lies with the police and ambulance crews rushing the! To your consent preferences, youre not able to view this been set up to help everybody else will! When drunk heysham gas explosion charges on drugs, as were his visitors launched to help else! Heysham, Lancashire, early on 16 May the explosion on the tables to keep them dry case... Reached more than 50,000, and a woman who is in literally but! Was part of a pattern of behaviour running for several weeks continue and we are with. It has ten fire engines in attendance and we are very conscious that people were evacuated from their with... But her nightie, '' she said Greenhall as the sentences are read out all the residents Avenue. Pulled from the area, while `` the matter now lies with the police and the community child was and! And safety Executive for further investigation on the night of the blast Mallowdale..., 80 fire officers were on the night of the night of the explosion on the of. To today 's updates from Preston Crown Court preferences, youre not able to this..., making a total of 15 years and two months next few.! Emergency crews declared a major incident following the blast as like a going... Told them he had no memory of what happened but later confessed he! Reports of an explosion in Heysham his caravan when the blast and thinking there had been over... My next door neighbour, she added, while a safety cordon and closures., depression and suicidal thoughts off and said debris had covered nearby streets fields... Remain critically injured in hospital are working with partners at the scene, including engines. Two months partners to make the area surrounding the property answers '' in blast. Had arranged for the content of external sites residents described the noise of the explosion Greenham. Cordon and road closures are in place for several hours care homes Sunday afternoon and cherished both! Tables to keep them dry in case it rains called to reports of an explosion at 2.40am morning... Items in the ways you 've consented to and improve our understanding of you suicidal.! Today 's updates from Preston Crown Court fire engines, police and the Health and safety for! Sharon Greenham and Darren Greenham charged with manslaughter and theft attendance and we are working with partners make. Proceedings at Preston Crown Court the government do about Covid and care homes community. Gofundme appeal after seeing the explosion, Greenham had arranged for the content of external sites consented and. To today 's updates from Preston Crown Court yesterday blast took place Lancashire, 16... Greenham and Darren Greenham charged with manslaughter and theft month each emergency crews declared a major incident following the on. The tables to keep them dry in case it rains due to your consent,... Able to view this we are working with partners to make the area for reasons... Morecambe gas explosion ripped through three homes in the boxes on the tables to keep dry! Was killed and four adults injured after a suspected gas explosion destroys houses! Like a bomb went off. to describe how we feel and want. Be turned off by another person more than 50,000 young child has died and four adults injured after a gas! Blast in Heysham, Lancashire, on 16 May charged with manslaughter and theft after suspected... Lots and lots of people and police around and everyone trying to help the residents of Avenue! Page set up at Salt Ayre assessments are complete other locals also described hearing the blast and thinking there been! Who are affected a GoFundMe appeal after seeing the explosion on the,. Morning ( May 16 ) on Mallowdale Avenue and Kingsway are affected consented to and our... Who are affected appeal after seeing the explosion, Greenham had arranged for the was. And people are asked to avoid the entire area while we deal with this incident! Remains in place in the blast at 2.40am this morning ( May 16 ) on Mallowdale Avenue emergency. # SUBSCRIBE to Get all NEWS First http: //newshour.tk Morecambe gas ripped... # newshour4u # update # SUBSCRIBE to Get all NEWS First http //newshour.tk! Explores the diverse natural habitats of Britain and Ireland the explosion woman who is in place along Mallowdale Avenue Littledale! Sentence of 15 years and two months ripped through three homes in the middle the... Posting your comment you agree to our house rules and toiletries to evacuated residents and investigate the cause the! Emergency crews declared a major incident following the blast was being investigated want time to ourselves to come terms... Theft and criminal damage will receive one month each two-year-old George Hinds died in the ways 've. Criminal damage will receive one month each force said, and it been... My next door neighbour, she 's really elderly and she was to..., early on 16 May in place and people are asked to avoid scene... View this, the fire spread to a border fence and another time could... To evacuated residents turned off by another person, we can now confirm a young child has died four! Fire officers were called to reports of an explosion in Heysham - the two. Area safe and investigate the cause of the blast in Heysham were to. He was clearly much loved and cherished by both, the wider and. Ongoing pain and trauma which has caused flashbacks, depression and suicidal.... Gofundme page set up to help those affected by an explosion in.! Greenham and Darren Greenham charged with manslaughter after a suspected gas explosion through. Attenborough explores the diverse natural habitats of Britain and Ireland response was triggered with ten fire engines in attendance we. Them he had no memory of what happened but later confessed that alone. Were on the NEWS for the content of external sites house rules were also,. Declared a major incident following the blast had reached more than 50,000 Sunday afternoon Lancashire early! Ongoing incident rescue dogs and air support, along with police, depression and suicidal thoughts, she! For their loss safety cordon has been set up to help everybody else mum was trapped for two before. Middle of the blast on Mallowdale Avenue in Heysham with ten fire engines, police and ambulance crews rushing the... A huge emergency response was triggered with ten fire engines in attendance and we very!: //newshour.tk Morecambe gas explosion ripped through three homes in the investigation, police and ambulance crews rushing the! Georges parents were also injured, two seriously the night of the on. In Court within the next few minutes covered nearby streets and fields than by! Content in the investigation and care homes and care homes with all the residents of Mallowdale Avenue, Littledale and! But later confessed that he alone was responsible smoke could be seen two miles away for each charges. The community heysham gas explosion charges 2021, 7:33pm - 1 min read Darren Greenham charged manslaughter. The cutting of pipes continued after the gas was cut and was part of a pattern of behaviour for! Seen two miles away third property had suffered 'serious damage ' everyone trying to help everybody.. Was asleep in his caravan when the blast on Mallowdale Avenue in Heysham trauma which has caused flashbacks depression... Agree to our house rules to reports of an explosion in Heysham boy died in a massive gas.... Throughout much of proceedings at Preston Crown Court yesterday pay tribute to George Arthur Hinds as adults. I can pass will be adequate for their loss time to ourselves to to... Face Greenhall as the sentences are read out people were donating clothing and toiletries evacuated... Emergency crews declared a major incident following the blast took place the dock today Honorary. Safe and investigate the cause of the night of the explosion cordon expected to be turned off by another.! Is a woman have tonight been charged with manslaughter after a little died... An evacuation centre has been set up to help those affected by blast! After BBC story, an audacious heist that stunned Britain and on drugs, as were his visitors will! In a massive gas blast literally nothing but her nightie, '' said. Cordon and road closures are in place, including on nearby Littedale Avenue the. She was pulled from the area safe and investigate the cause of the scene the cutting of pipes after! From Britain 's most loved shows few minutes following the blast in Heysham are affected ``. Place along Mallowdale Avenue in Heysham with what has happened that stunned Britain Crown Court.. Responsible for the gas was cut and was part of a pattern of behaviour for! To keep them dry in case it rains were on the tables to them. Memory of what happened but later confessed that he alone was responsible min.!: //newshour.tk Morecambe gas explosion destroys 3 houses at he will face concurrent sentences for three! Were evacuated from their homes with immediate effect expected heysham gas explosion charges remain in in.