Police are treating the blast near to the Londis story on Wetherby Road yesterday as arson, it was confirmed today. Here are devastating damage pictures provided to the Yorkshire Evening Post:
.
The kitchen of the home was destroyed in the blast | jpimedia
. Fire started nearby
A fire had been started among some rubbish next to the parade of shops and had caused a gas canister to explode, damaging nearby properties - including the distraught family's. | jpimedia
. 'Our house is unihabitable'
One family member, who wished to remain anonymous, told the Yorkshire Evening Post: "Our house is uninhabitable and my grandchildren had to run out of the house with no shoes on.
"They are really upset.
"They got out two minutes before the blast." | jpimedia
. 'Like an earthquake'
Residents nearby likened the sound of the bang to an 'earthquake' and many rushed outside their homes following the explosion. | jpimedia
1. Fire started nearby
A fire had been started among some rubbish next to the parade of shops and had caused a gas canister to explode, damaging nearby properties - including the distraught family's. | jpimedia
2. 'Our house is unihabitable'
One family member, who wished to remain anonymous, told the Yorkshire Evening Post: "Our house is uninhabitable and my grandchildren had to run out of the house with no shoes on.
"They are really upset.
"They got out two minutes before the blast." | jpimedia
3. 'Like an earthquake'
Residents nearby likened the sound of the bang to an 'earthquake' and many rushed outside their homes following the explosion. | jpimedia
4. Fire crews called
Fire crews and West Yorkshire Police were called to the scene and have confirmed that no one was injured. | jpimedia
5. Cannabis farm discovered near scene
While checking the scene, police officers discovered a cannabis farm containing more than 200 plants and growing equipment in a flat within the building. | jpimedia
6. Scene cordoned off
The scene remains cordoned-off this morning as officers conduct further forensic examinations and remove the plants and equipment. | jpimedia