Woman fighting for her life after blast at flats

Sarah Pearse, 19, was among 12 people injured in the blast in Shrewsbury, Shropshire, on Monday and taken to Selly Oak Hospital in Birmingham where a spokesman last night described her condition as "extremely critical".

Two other people seriously injured in the explosion, a man and woman, were said to be in a "critical but stable" condition.

The blast is believed to have been caused by a gas leak. Police and Health and Safety Executive contractors remained at the scene yesterday working to pinpoint the source.

Superintendent Martin Whitelegg, from West Mercia Police, said: "There is no evidence that this was a criminal incident. We are not treating it as a crime at this current time.

"It is being treated as a probable gas leak... it is believed the explosion was caused by an escape of gas in the vicinity, either in the street or in the building."

One woman was flung from the first floor of the building onto the street outside, such was the ferocity of the explosion. Another man was trapped on the ground floor and five people in a car outside had to be dragged free by bystanders after the vehicle was struck by falling rubble.

A number of witnesses have told officers they could smell gas in the area close to the flats before the explosion and a nearby gas main has been isolated.

Roads close to the scene remained cordoned-off yesterday and neighbouring streets were still covered with shattered glass.

The Anglican Bishop of Shrewsbury offered his prayers to the casualties.

The Right Rev Mark Rylands said: "My thoughts and prayers are with those who have been hurt as a result of this explosion, especially the young man and women with the most serious injuries.

"But I would also like to express my admiration and gratitude for the bravery and hard work of the emergency services."