A MAN from Darlington has been arrested in connection to an explosion which caused damage to two flats and left a man in hospital with burn injuries.

There was an explosion at a property in Skelmersdale, Lancashire, on Tuesday, May 11.

Emergency services were called to the scene in Tanfields at 6.07pm following reports of an explosion.

Five people managed to get out of the building before emergency services arrived. Fortunately, none of them were seriously injured.

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A man later attended Ormskirk Hospital with non life-threatening burn injuries.

A Lancashire Police spokesperson said: “We are keeping an open mind as to the cause of the explosion while investigations continue. At this stage it is being treated as unexplained.”

A 29-year-old man from Darlington has been arrested on suspicion of production of a class B drug and causing an explosive substance likely to endanger life or cause serious injury.

Officers would like to speak to 40-year-old Robert Nolan (pictured), from Skelmersdale, as part of their enquiries.

The Northern Echo:

He is described as white, around 5ft 8ins tall, of slim build and speaking with a Liverpool accent.

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DC Sean Reddington, of South CID, said: “This incident has caused significant damage to the properties and left a number of people displaced.

“Our investigation is very much ongoing to establish the cause of the explosion and we would ask people to check any footage they may have covering the area to see if they have captured anything which could assist us in our enquiries.

“Although we are keeping an open mind as to what caused the explosion we have made an arrest. We now need to speak to Robert Nolan as we believe he can assist us with our enquiries. We would ask anybody who sees him or knows where he is to contact police as soon as possible.”

To uploaded footage click here: https://unitedkingdom1cpp-portal.digital-policing.co.uk/lancashire/appeal/have-you-seen-wanted-robert-nolan-40-from-skelmersdale

Anyone with information is asked to email 2340@lancashire.police.uk or call 101, quoting log 1311 or May 17, 2022.

 

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