Man remains in serious condition after gas explosion

Emergency services have left the scene of a domestic gas explosion five days after a man was seriously injured in Cornwall. Police advised local residents to evacuate their homes, and formed a 100m cordon in the area of Drakewalls near Gunnislake.

On Sunday (May 12), emergency services were called to a property where a suspected explosive materials and chemicals were found. Police, ambulance, fire and bomb teams were called to the scene where a man was pulled from the wreckage of a caravan soon after 6.45pm, having suffered serious injuries.

Specialists have been working to ensure the items found at the scene, believed to be explosive materials and chemicals, are safe with neighbours evacuated from their homes for days. This work has now been completed and the cordon that was in place has been lifted.

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A 46-year-old man is still in hospital receiving treatment for life-changing injuries. He was arrested on suspicion of offences under the Explosive Substances Act 1883 but has since been released on police bail until May 24.

Chief Inspector Julian Pezzani said: "Following the initial report to police on Sunday, extensive searches and investigations have been ongoing in relation to a number of items that were found at the scene.

"We have been working with a number of specialists and have now stood down our cordon and concluded our initial response at the scene.

"The impact of emergency presence in a community is not underestimated and I am grateful for the patience and support that has been shown by local residents this week."

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