A young child has died and four people have been injured in a suspected gas explosion in Heysham.

UPDATE: The major incident has now been stood down.

Ben Norman, Assistant Chief Fire Officer, said: "At the peak of emergency operations, we had 10 fire engines and in the region of 80 firefighters at the scene, along with specialist search and rescue teams and search dogs.

“Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service remains on the scene with partner agencies and will continue to do so over the coming days to carry out a methodical investigation to understand exactly what happened at this incident.”

Emergency services were called around 2.40am this morning (May 16) to reports that a number of houses on Mallowdale Avenue, Heysham, had collapsed following an explosion.

Two properties have collapsed and a third home has suffered serious damage. 

A spokesperson for the police said: "Our officers attended and found two houses collapsed and serious damage to a third property.

"We can now confirm that sadly a young child has died as a result of the incident.

"The family have been informed and our thoughts remain with them at this distressing time.

"Another four people, two men and two women have been taken to hospital with serious injuries."

A search of the site is still ongoing with the fire and ambulance service also in attendance.

A safety cordon has been put in place and nearby residents have been evacuated.

Road closures remain in place and people are being asked to avoid the entire area while police deal with the incident.