Man, 43, arrested in murder probe after dad, 53, killed in horror house explosion leaving family ‘devastated’
A 43-YEAR-OLD man has been arrested on suspicion of murder after a fatal explosion in Nottinghamshire.
The horror gas blast destroyed a house in Worksop, leaving dad David Howard, 53, dead.
Emergency services were called to John Street at 7.39pm on Sunday.
The terraced home was destroyed and significant damage was also caused to neighbouring properties during the incident.
Mr Howard was found in the wreckage and despite the efforts of paramedics was pronounced dead at the scene.
Cops confirmed a suspect was arrested today.
A statement said: “As part of their inquiries, a 43-year-old man was arrested and questioned on suspicion of murder.
“He has since been bailed pending further investigation work into the cause of the explosion.”
Mr Howard’s daughters have been informed and officers are investigating the cause of the explosion, the force added.
Detective Chief Inspector Ruby Burrow, of Nottinghamshire Police, 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 that people avoid speculation both online and in the community.
“We again thank people for their continued support and cooperation at this time.”
After the incident, residents were evacuated from the street and Chief Inspector Clive Collings, from Nottinghamshire Police labelled it as “extremely serious.”
He said: “This is an extremely serious incident that has led to a man’s untimely death.
“The man’s family have been informed and are being supported by specially trained officers.
“I have no doubt that this incident will have come as a shock to the community in Worksop.”
Search teams were sifting through the rubble for possible victims yesterday but police said anyone who may have been in the area at the time is now accounted for.
‘Almighty explosion’
Resident Jonathan Hodson, 51, described hearing “almighty explosion” – adding: “Fence panels were rattling and the windows were shaking.”
Karolina Ciolko, who lives nearby, said: “I quickly looked out the window and saw smoke.
“The car in front of me rocked and the alarm went off. We quickly ran out of the house to see what had happened.”
Anyone with additional information is asked to contact 101 quoting incident 612 of 12 April 2025.
Do you know more? Email ryan.merrifield@thesun.co.uk