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National
Jane Hall

Sunderland man appears in court over suspected gas blast which destroyed house in Roker

A man has been committed to crown court accused of causing a suspected gas blast that ripped through a Sunderland street.

Ian Lenaghan, 59, appeared before South Tyneside Magistrates’ Court charged with criminal damage with intent to endanger the lives of Gordon Rodham and Lynne Holland.

Lenaghan, of Whickham Street, Roker, Sunderland, did not enter a plea and was remanded in custody to appear at Newcastle Crown Court on May 4.

Read more: Demolition works take place at Sunderland homes after devastating gas blast

Emergency services were called to Whickham Street at around 3.45pm on February 15 this year, following a suspected gas explosion. Two people were taken to hospital with serious injuries as a result, and have since been discharged.

The scene of a suspected gas blast in Whickham Street, Roker (TW Fire and Rescue)

An investigation has been ongoing into the circumstances surrounding the blast.

Detective Sergeant Alan Whittle, of Northumbria Police said: “Enquiries have been ongoing ever since this incident and I would like to thank everyone – from our partners to the local community – for their cooperation and patience.

“I would ask that everyone respects the live proceedings and please refrain from any speculation, both on social media and in the community, that could jeopardise the case.”

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