FIREFIGHTERS from Malmesbury were assisting crews from six other stations at the scene of an explosion in Chippenham town centre in which a man was badly injured.

Emergency services were called shortly after 6pm this evening to reports of an explosion in a third floor flat in the middle of the town.

A spokeswoman for Dorset & Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service said that all people in the affected building were accounted for and one man was taken to Southmead Hospital in Bristol with serious burns.

"The service is now downscaling its presence, although investigations into what happened will continue for some time", said the spokeswoman.

"Volunteers from the British Red Cross are attending to support those affected by the blast, and a building control officer from Wiltshire Council has been requested to check the integrity of the property, which has suffered significant structural damage.

"A cordon has been put in place and buildings are being evacuated."

"We are working with Wilshire Police to determine the cause of the explosion and ensure that the area is safe."

Fire engines from Chippenham, Corsham, Calne and Devizes were also sent to the scene along with a heavy rescue unit from Trowbridge and an aerial appliance from Bath.

Police remain at the scene tonight.

Following an initial call from the fire service at about 6.20pm reporting an explosion at a flat above the BetFred store in Market Place, police attended and cordons were put in place.

One man was taken to Southmead Hospital in Bristol with severe burns and has since been transferred to a specialist burns hospital in Swansea.

Police are working with partner agencies to provide temporary accommodation for two other residents from the building overnight while the scene is made safe and an investigation is carried out by Dorset and Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service to determine the cause of the incident.

Duty Superintendent Phil Staynings said: “We are currently at the very early stages of the investigation.

"We are working with the fire and rescue service and Wiltshire Council to secure the property, which has sustained significant structural damage.

"At this stage, we are unable to determine the cause of the explosion but our investigation will continue throughout the night.

“We would like to thank local businesses who have provided refreshments, shelter and accommodation during the evening as well as volunteers from the British Red Cross who are supporting anyone affected.”

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