A man who died following a suspected gas blast has been named and pictured for the first time.
David Howard, 53, died at the scene of the explosion in Worksop, Nottinghamshire on Saturday.
Emergency services were called at 7.39pm on April 12 and recovered Mr Howard’s body from under the debris.
Investigations into the cause of the explosion are ongoing, police said on Monday.
In a statement, Notts police said Mr Howard’s daughters have been informed and are being supported by specially trained officers.
Speaking near the scene on Monday, Nottinghamshire Police Chief Inspector Clive Collings said: ‘I would like to extend my deepest condolences to the wife, daughters and friends of the victim.
‘I would also like to thank the local community and people of Worksop.
‘It is obviously a live investigation so we are still in the process of trying to understand why this has happened.
‘If there is anyone who knows anything or has seen anything that could help us with our investigation could they please call 101.’
A council spokesman said 35 properties had been evacuated as a safety measure but the majority of residents have since returned.
Detective Chief Inspector Ruby Burrow continued the tributes to Mr Howard.
She said: ‘Our thoughts are very much with David’s loved ones at this devastating time.
‘He has lost his life in truly tragic circumstances, and we would ask everyone to respect his daughters’ privacy.
‘Our investigation to establish exactly what happened is ongoing and we are working hard to find the answers his family needs.
‘We would ask that, while the investigation is being carried out, people avoid speculation both online and in the community.
‘We again thank people for their continued support and co-operation at this time.’
Emergency crews were called to the incident in John Street at 7.39pm on Saturday and Nottinghamshire Fire and Rescue Service reported it as a gas explosion.
A major incident was declared, and on Sunday police said a cordon will remain in place overnight with the cause still under investigation.
Images show the length of the house was wrecked, with debris including bricks covering part of the street as well as the back garden.
Two neighbouring properties partially collapsed and eight others, as well as 20 cars, were damaged by debris, the force said.
About 50 people from 35 properties were evacuated and are being supported by Bassetlaw District Council and Nottinghamshire County Council.
Some of the displaced spent Saturday night in the Crown Place Community Centre which was offered as an emergency shelter.
Bassetlaw District Council found accommodation for nine households and others were able to stay with family or friends, its leader Julie Leigh said.
Hotel or temporary accommodation was found ‘for all those who have requested assistance’ and the emergency shelter was closed as a result, she added.
It has not confirmed how many people have been allowed to return home.
Buildings near the scene are without power and the council is working to help vulnerable people affected.
Sophie Nimmo, who lives in nearby Sandy Lane and has set up a GoFundMe page to support affected residents, was doing garden work when she heard the bang and ran to check on her two-year-old.
Ms Nimmo, 24, told the PA news agency on Sunday night: ‘I don’t know how to explain it, it just shook me to my core and I felt the rumble in the ground.
‘I then went out the front of the house to see what had happened, still clueless at this time, and saw smoke drifting over rooftops.’
People were gathered in the street trying to figure out what had happened, she said.
Ms Nimmo added: ‘It’s believed some have been able to return but many are still left without power, and behind this street there’s a set of bungalows where elderly (people) live which I’m sure has left them confused and upset being so close to them.
‘The community is trying to come together and gather bits that may help the evacuees.’
Ms Leigh added: ‘We have all been shocked and concerned by yesterday’s incident on John Street in Worksop, which has had a huge impact on this community.
‘I’d like to praise the swift actions of the emergency services and other agencies whose quick response has prevented any further loss of life.
‘The painstaking search and rescue operation also ensured that wider residents of John Street and the surrounding area are safe and accounted for.’
Chief Inspector Clive Collings, from Nottinghamshire Police, said it was ‘an extremely serious incident that has led to a man’s untimely death’ and his family are being supported by specially trained officers.
He added: ‘I want to reassure our community in Worksop that we are doing everything we can this evening to support residents.
‘Officers are working at pace with Nottinghamshire Fire and Rescue Service to determine the cause of this tragic incident.
‘There will be an increased police presence in the area and a cordon and road closures will remain in place overnight and into tomorrow morning.
‘This is a large scene that will take some time to clear, and I want to thank residents for their patience and understanding.’
On X, one person asked at around 8.06pm on Saturday: ‘Did anyone else hear a loud bang/explosion sound in Worksop North Nottingham around 30 minutes ago?’
A Facebook user posted minutes later that she had heard a ‘terrific bang, like a very loud firework’.