Burst blast.

A huge blast which tore through two village homes was caused by a fractured gas main.

Inspectors from the Health and Safety Executive revealed the April 10 blast, at Farrier's Rise, Shilbottle, was caused by a faulty pipe.

The 40-year-old pipe failed, causing the explosion which reduced two homes to a pile of rubble.

Alison and John Walker, both 59, survived the blast which brought down their pounds 200,000 semi-detached home. Mrs Walker was buried under rubble and had to have skin grafts to treat serious burns. Her husband escaped with minor injuries.

HSE inspector David Josiah said: "The fractured main caused the explosion. Investigations are ongoing to find how the damage was caused."