Homes in Ramsey were evacuated yesterday after a fire and subsequent gas explosion.

The Isle of Man Fire and Rescue Service was called into action at 1.40pm after reports of a fire at a mid-terraced property behind Parliament Square.

Firefighters from Ramsey and Laxey spent over three hours on scene tackling the blaze and preventing it from spreading to other properties.

A cordon was also set up, and the roads closed, to allow Manx Gas to dig up the gas main and isolate the supply.

Manx Gas and the Manx Utilities Authority checked all properties in the area before occupants could return.

Manx Gas says it will work with homeowners over the next couple of days to restore gas supplies.

It’s not yet known what caused the initial fire and explosion.