Exploding gas cylinders linked to drug production

AN EXPLOSION at a home in Leeds that left three people injured was caused by butane canisters.

West Yorkshire Police yesterday said they believed the gas was being used to produce potent cannabis resin.

Following investigations by both police officers and the fire service, the source of the blaze was traced to the kitchen area of the house in Aysgarth Place, Richmond Hill.

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Both cannabis and a number of butane gas canisters were recovered following the initial explosion and subsequent fire on Saturday. A search also uncovered more than 20 further butane canisters in a shed behind the terraced house.

Officers said that a 36-year-old man had been arrested in connection with the incident.

He was still in hospital yesterday.

Two others, a 15-year-old boy, and a woman, 35, had both been discharged.