Major gas explosion devastates quiet residential street in Derbyshire as rescuers scramble to find people still inside the damaged house

Firefighters and ambulances were called to the 'major incident' - which is believed to be a gas explosion - at this house (pictured top) on Valley View Road, in Riddings, Derbyshire at around 7.33am this morning. Officers suspect people may be trapped inside the severely damaged property. Neighbours have described hearing 'a loud bang' and say they saw a plume of smoke rising from the house shortly before the emergency services were called. Firefighters have been told to wait for structural engineers to determine if it is safe enough for them to enter the property to tackle the blaze. Several fire engines are currently at the scene and an aerial platform is being used to tackle the fire from the street.