Brighouse building wrecked by fire and explosion

Jul 1 2009 By Joanne Douglas

AN arsonist was being hunted today after a blast at a Brighouse house.

Police investigating the fire and explosion yesterday have confirmed it was suspicious.

The explosion at the house on Gooder Lane happened at 2.30am yesterday morning but fortunately no-one was inside at the time.

It is believed an unspecified ignitable liquid was used to start the blaze but further details are not yet known.

The detached property is divided into four flats, all of which were empty at the time of the explosion.

Windows at the property shattered after the explosion which woke many people living nearby. They then noticed the first floor of the property was on fire.

And the explosion left the building unsafe, with bowed walls and a roof in danger of collapsing on firefighters.

Steven Garling, who lives opposite the flats, said: “I heard a massive bang and looked out of my window and saw the flames coming out of the window.

“It was quite intense and the firefighters did a good job going in there.

“I could hear the glass shattering on the floor, the fire was that bad it forced the windows out.

“As far as I know someone moved out last week so they’re pretty lucky not to have been inside.”

Liz Jenning, a mother-of-two, added: “It was scary being woken up by a massive bang, you wonder what on earth has happened.

“I’m just thankful no-one was in there at the time.”

Tim Galling, who lives further along Gooder Lane, added: “I couldn’t believe the noise of the explosion, it seemed to have woken most people up.

“There was glass falling out of the windows and smashing onto the floor.