A MAN suffered burns after an explosion at a house in East Durham this morning.

Emergency services were called to Dawson Road, Wingate, near Peterlee, at 8.15am today after reports of an explosion and fire in a semi-detached house.

County Durham and Darlington Fire and Rescue Service sent three fire appliances - two from Peterlee and one from Wheatley Hill fire stations.

"One adult female and male were in the property at the time of the incident," said a spokesman for the Durham and Darlington fire and rescue.

"The male adult was suffering from burns and has been taken to hospital. No further injuries are reported.

"A joint investigation by County Durham and Darlington Fire and Rescue Service and Durham Constabulary is due to take place later today."