One person was taken to hospital following a "gas explosion" in a North East home this evening as several surrounding homes were evacuated.
Emergency services converged on Church Lane, Eston, Middlesbrough, at about 8.40pm, after reports of the explosion.
Two fire appliances, two ambulances and several police cars were in attendance as a cordon was placed around the street and parts of St Helen's Close and Albert Road. 
Gas workers were reportedly busy working in the upper floor of the home when the explosion ripped through the house. The force of the explosion blew out a window and damaged the roof.
The occupant of the house was reported to be downstairs at the time is understood to be unhurt.
There were several workers from Northern Gas in high-visibility jackets at the scene making the area safe. 
A Cleveland Police spokesperson said: "Police and our Fire Brigade colleagues are currently in the Albert Road/Church Lane area of Eston after a gas explosion inside a house.
"One person has been taken to hospital by ambulance for what are not currently believed to be life threatening injuries to his arm.
"The explosion, which happened around 8.40pm this evening, was contained within the address however as a precaution and until a structural survey can take place around half a dozen properties nearby have been evacuated, with all occupants safely accounted for.
"Emergency services remain on scene and we would like to thank anyone affected for their co-operation and patience."
A North East Ambulance Service spokesperson said: "We were called to an incident in Eston, Middlesbrough tonight (18 December) at 20:35pm. We dispatched two ambulance crews and one patient was taken to James Cook Hospital."
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A spokesperson for the Cleveland Fire Brigade said: "We were dispatched two appliances following reports of an exposion in Church Lane, Eston, at about 8.40pm. Two appliances were in attendance.
"There is now only one appliance in attendance. We are waiting for a stop message."
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