Man rescued from apartment explosion – drug crime in the air

A man was rescued from the scene of an explosion and subsequently arrested on suspicion of drug trafficking.

The explosion destroyed the lower apartment of a block of flats in Burnley, Lancashire, at around 13:45 CET.

Firefighters and search and rescue teams managed to rescue a man who suffered burns in the explosion.

Police said they were looking for another person who also likely suffered burns but fled the scene.

A police cordon sealed off the converted former Liberal Club and search and rescue teams from Chorley and Bamber Bridge were called to assist.

Several houses were evacuated “as a precaution,” but police said there was “no ongoing danger to the population.”

A spokesman said a man had been arrested on suspicion of manufacturing controlled drugs and criminal damage.

“A joint investigation with our colleagues from the fire service has been launched to determine the cause of the explosion,” they added.