'We had to run': Leeds family with four children escape home just moments before huge gas explosion

A Leeds family have described how they were forced to run bare-footed from their home - just moments before an explosion destroyed their kitchen
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The family - including four children - escaped from their home yesterday after the start of a fire nearby.

Just minutes later, a huge explosion caused damage to multiple properties on the street.

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Police are treating the blast near to the Londis story on Wetherby Road yesterday as arson, it was confirmed today.

The family's kitchen was destroyed in the blastThe family's kitchen was destroyed in the blast
The family's kitchen was destroyed in the blast

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.

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."

Residents nearby likened the sound of the bang to an 'earthquake' and many rushed outside their homes following the explosion.

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Fire crews and West Yorkshire Police were called to the scene and have confirmed that no one was injured.

While checking the scene, police officers discovered a cannabis farm containing more than 200 plants and growing equipment in a flat within the building.

A 26-year-old man was arrested at the scene on suspicion of cannabis production.

He remains in custody.

The scene remains cordoned-off this morning as officers conduct further forensic examinations and remove the plants and equipment.

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Detective Inspector Richard Holmes, of Leeds District CID, said: “We are continuing to carry out enquiries to establish the circumstances surrounding this incident and would like to hear from anyone who witnessed anything suspicious in the area in the time leading up to the fire and explosion.”

Anyone with information is asked to contact Leeds District CID via 101 quoting crime reference 13200211487 or online via www.westyorkshire.police.uk/101livechat.

Information can also be given anonymously to the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

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