Elderly man seriously injured in home blast in Billinge

Image caption, Police say there is no wider threat to the community

An elderly man has been taken to hospital with serious injuries after an explosion at a property.

Paramedics and police were called to reports of an explosion on Park Road in Billinge, Greater Manchester at about 15:00 GMT on Wednesday.

Greater Manchester Police said a man in his 80s was taken to hospital with serious leg injuries.

A spokesman said inquiries suggested "the explosion was caused by the ignition of a flammable substance."

He added: "There is no wider threat to the community.

"The scene has now been made safe by emergency services and no neighbouring properties were evacuated during the incident."

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