Blackburn with Darwen Council has released an update after a house was damaged when an explosion ripped through a property on London Road.

The council confirmed building inspectors have been on site all throughout Monday, and representatives of the Health & Safety Executive also attended to start their investigation into what happened.

A council spokesperson said the collapsed roof is hindering investigations to assess the property fully.

Demolition contractors have been scheduled to attend on the morning of Tuesday, December 19, to remove the roof to allow for building inspections to continue.

Council officers have made contact with residents of all eight properties that were evacuated on the night of Sunday, December 17, to offer support to those who need it. They have all been able to stay with family or friends.

While the building inspection work continues on Tuesday, residents are unaware of when they will be able to get back into their homes.

READ MORE: Neighbours speak of shock after house explosion in Blackburn 'like an earthquake'

Blackburn with Darwen Council leader, Cllr Phil Riley, said: "I know that what has happened has been a terrible shock and our thoughts are with the man who remains in hospital, and his family.

"Above all today we’ve witnessed incredibly strong community spirit in this area with people doing whatever they can to support those affected – and that kindness and compassion has been absolutely wonderful to see.

"As a council, we sympathise with the families who had to be evacuated from their homes. I know they are in a less than ideal situation, with no access to their homes or belongings for now, but I’m thankful that they are all safe.

"I can reassure them that we are working as swiftly as we can, while following health and safety protocols, to be certain of the safety of neighbouring properties to allow these families home as soon as possible. Council officers are also supporting the family that has lost everything in this awful accident.

"I’m full of praise for the work of the emergency services and council duty officers who responded to this incident very quickly on Sunday evening. My thanks goes to them all."

READ MORE: Blackburn house explosion 'not caused by our gas network', says Cadent

Road closures are still in place in part of London Road and the top parts of Inkerman Street and Blackburn Street, where they join London Road.

Road closures are expected to remain in place for some time.

Vulnerable adults living in the area were identified and made sure that their social care support was able to get to them, despite road closures.

The exact cause of the explosion is still unknown and enquiries are ongoing.

One man remains in hospital in a stable condition, and his injuries are not thought to be life-threatening.

Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service officers have spent the day in the area around London Road to reassure local residents that there are no further risks of a gas explosion.