'We were trying to kick the door down' - Residents' horror as man dies after house in Wythenshawe explodes

A man has been killed in a gas explosion in Wythenshawe tonight.

Emergency services descended on Brownley Road at around 6.30pm tonight following the huge explosion. Sadly, a man was found dead inside, GMP said.

A spokesperson tonight said: "Emergency services attended Brownley Road, Manchester, at about 6:30pm tonight (31 March 2022) after reports of a gas explosion.

"Sadly, a man was located deceased inside a property. A number of houses were evacuated and the scene made safe at about 8pm.

"Several properties are without power and emergency services remain on scene this evening with road closures in place. Investigations are ongoing and officers are supporting the deceased man's family."

Witnesses spoke of the terrifying moment the house exploded metres from where they were standing. Residents reported hearing a 'huge explosion' coming from a property on the street that 'shook their houses like an earthquake', with images showing a huge hole in the front of the house.

Large numbers of fire crews and police officers are in place in the street, with a cordon in place opposite Crossacres tram stop. Residents living nearby have been evacuated, with those closest to the house given temporary accommodation overnight.

One man, Matt Muncaster, 27, said there was 'an almighty bang' as the tram turned to get into Crossacres.

"As I got off and looked at the house, there was instantly loads of smoke. All the windows were blown out and the glass was all over the road," he said.

"I ran over and a neighbour was shouting the name of the man who lives there, to try and get an idea of if he was conscious and at home. Me and another gentleman tried to kick the door down but couldn't get enough force to kick it in."

Mr Muncaster, who