A man has been arrested on suspicion of arson after a devastating explosion wiped out a home in a village this morning.
Firefighters were called to a blaze at a house on Carr Lane, in Hambleton, Lancashire, just before 10am on Friday.
Neighbouring homes had been forced to evacuate and the ambulance confirmed that one person - the suspect behind the attack - had been taken to hospital with minor injuries. No one else suffered injuries.
Lancashire Police confirmed that a 54-year-old man was being held in custody on suspicion of arson with intent to endanger life.
A force spokesman said: 'A small number of surrounding properties have been evacuated and Carr Lane remains closed whilst our colleagues carry out work to ensure the safety of the area.'
The incident is being treated as 'isolated', as an investigation is underway. It is not believed to be linked to a local gas network.
Four fire crews assembled to the explosion and remained at the scene this morning where rubble could be seen strewn about from the blast.
Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service advised people to 'avoid the area to allow emergency services to work safely and efficiently'.
The house was left completely gutted and rubble was strewn about the lawn of the rural property
A 54-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of arson and taken to hospital for minor injuries
They added: 'If you can see or smell smoke, please keep all windows and doors closed as a precaution.'
North West Ambulance Service told the BBC in a statement: 'We attended the scene with significant resources, including advanced clinicians, operational commanders, air ambulance and the Hazardous Area Response Team.
'One patient was taken to the hospital for further assessment with minor injuries.'
The rural house in a quiet village caused significant damage to the property, as a cordon was placed around the area while emergency services attended the scene.
Aerial photographs showed the entire side wall of the house completely gutted.
Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service wrote in a post today: 'At 9:51am on March 27, fire engines from Preesall, Bispham, Fleetwood, South Shore and the aerial ladder platform from Blackpool attended a fire on Carr Lane, Hambleton.
'The fire involved an explosion within a domestic premises. Fire crews are using two jets and two breathing apparatus. Crews are still in attendance.
'Road closures are in place, and we are asking the public to avoid the area to allow emergency services to work safely and efficiently.
'If you can see or smell smoke, please keep all windows and doors closed as a precaution.'