Several injured and homes destroyed in Clacton explosion

Tendring District Council has set up a reception centre in Clacton to offer support for residents who were evacuated from their homes earlier today following an explosion in the town.

The Council has been asked to take 13 people who live in the surrounding properties affected by the blast.

The evacuees will be brought to the centre, at Clacton Town Hall, by minibus with the transport

being arranged by Essex County Council.

Nigel Brown, TDC’s Communications Manager, said: “We are getting the Essex Hall

ready to take those we have been asked to accommodate at the request of Essex

Police.

“They will be made comfortable and looked after by volunteer staff at the Council for

as long as is necessary.”

Fire crews are continuing to battle a blaze caused by an explosion in Clacton, Essex, earlier today.

Two houses were 'flattened' and another was badly damaged.

Read more: Bird's eye view reveals extent of devastation

A serious gas explosion in Essex has resulted in ten people being taken to hospital, with two seriously injured.

Two homes were said to be "flattened" by the blast at Cloes Lane in Clacton and a third was badly damaged.

Click below to see devastating aerial images of the scene

Read more: 10 injured in blast with two in a serious condition

"Critical care has been given to two people following a house explosion in Clacton. They have been taken to Broomfield Hospital. Eight others have been taken to Colchester General Hospital (CGH) following the incident in Cloes Lane this morning.

"A man, believed to be in his 70s, was airlifted to Broomfield Hospital in a life-threatening after being anaesthetised on scene by air ambulance paramedics. A woman, believed to be in her 50s, was taken to Broomfield with severe burns.

"The other casualties were taken with serious and minor injuries to CGH. Injuries include burns, and trauma injuries such as broken legs."

A total of 10 people were injured in an house explosion in Clacton, Essex, two seriously, East of England Ambulance Service said today.

Essex Fire Service has tweeted: