An investigation into the cause of the house explosion in Fishpool two weeks ago remain ongoing as the demolition process continues.

The blast happened at a terraced home on Nelson Street on Wednesday, February 28 at around 11am and left a woman in her 70s taken to hospital with serious injuries.

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It is understand that the woman, named Sheila, is in a stable condition.

The demolition process of the three affected houses has been a brick-by-brick process with the properties almost been fully taken down.

A council spokesperson said: "Our building control team is liaising with the displaced residents, and one has been able to recover some personal items as the demolition progresses."

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Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service said the investigation is still in "its early stages" and there have been "delays due to the condition of the building and the delayed demolition".

But it is hoped progress will be made in the "next week or so".

Gas network Cadent confirmed a gas smell in the area was reported two days before the incident.

But a spokesperson added: “After the incident, we carried out thorough checks on all neighbouring properties and confirmed the gas pipes feeding them are sound.

“We haven’t ever responded to a report of a smell of gas at the property where the incident happened.”

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) is also involved in the probe.

HSE inspector Lisa Bailey said: “We are aware of an incident and our gas experts have attended the scene to make some initial enquiries.”

In the days that followed the incident, Redvales Cllr Tamoor Tariq, set up a GoFundMe crowdfunding page to help residents whose homes were severely damaged.

Writing on the fundraising page, he said: “My neighbours were deeply affected by the gas incident which has destroyed three properties through a huge fire.

“The local community is coming together to support the families affected and fundraiser for them.

"We would like to give as many people as possible the chance to contribute via this page.

“Please help spread the word.

“The families affected have lost their homes entirely and remain unclear if they will ever see their belongings again and in what state. Let’s all do what we can.

"This could have happened to any one of us.”