A man killed in house explosion has been named as Frank Burton
The pensioner was tragically found dead following the blast last night.
Frank's family paid tribute to him at the scene this morning as investigations continued, describing him as "a character and a good guy".
His brother Philip said he feared that his sibling may have bought an appliance to "help with the cold snap in anticipation of rising energy bills" - and that it may have sparked the blast.
He said: "The explosion is typical of gas. Whether that's mains gas, or if he had something in to help with the cold snap and anticipating rise in energy, he may have bought something."
This has not been confirmed by officials. Cadent workers, fire officers and police remain at the house this afternoon.
Mark Threader, borough commander for the Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service, and Mark Dixon, Detective Inspector at GMP, both spoke from the scene and said that investigations were in the early stages.
"As things stand at the moment, we are in the phase of making the premises safe so we can carry out investigations. GMFRS, GMP and Cadent gas are working closely together to try and find out what caused the incident", Mr Threader said.
DI Dixon added that he had been told by the fire service that the incident was 'isolated'.
He said: "This was specific to that premises and there is not a wider risk to other properties. We're keeping an open mind and exploring all lines of enquiry."
The 91-year-old was tragically found dead following the blast on last night (Thursday).
Police said there were reports of a gas explosion, though specific details have not yet been confirmed.
A major incident was declared for a short time last night before it was stood down by emergency services.
A large cordon was put in place on Brownley Road as some residents were evacuated from their homes.
This afternoon, a small cordon remains in place on the pavement in front of the badly damaged house. Several emergency services vehicles remain at the scene.
The Mirror told about the blast last night.
Motorists were told to avoid the area while emergency services deal with the incident, which is thought to have happened around 6.45pm.
A Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue spokesperson then said: "We are currently attending an incident on Brownley Road in Manchester. Road closures are in place. Please keep your doors and windows closed if you are in the area."
One resident told the Manchester Evening News they had heard a "massive bang" which they initially thought was caused by a car crash, while others spoke of their shock after the explosion.
One neighbour, who lives four doors down from the fire, said: “I heard the massive bang. At first I thought a car had crashed or somebody was knocking my door down then I came outside and saw all the police and fire engines.”
Another said: “ I just can’t believe it this has really shaken us all up.”
