Lancashire Police previously said detectives and gas experts discovered the cause of the explosion in Heysham was a gas pipe which had been cut inside number 20 Mallowdale Avenue.
Revealed: Couple who are fighting for life after gas pipe was cut in their home - sparking blast that killed two-year-old boy in house next door
Darren, 44, and Sharon Greenham, 50, remain in hospital after a gas explosion at their home in Heysham
Police believe gas pipe was cut in their home causing a devastating explosion which destroyed three houses
Explosion injured neighbours Stephen Hinds and Vicki Studholme and killed their two-year-old son George
George s parents have since been discharged from hospital and have shared tributes to their beautiful angel
An explosion which killed a two-year-old boy was caused by a gas pipe inside a neighbouring property which had been cut, police say.
Lancashire Police said detectives and gas experts had discovered the cause of the explosion in Heysham was a gas pipe which had been cut inside number 20 Mallowdale Avenue.
The force said it was now treating the probe as a criminal investigation and inquiries continue into how the pipe came to be cut.
George Arthur Hinds, who was just two years and ten months old, died following the blast at the property on Sunday, May 16, which caused two houses to collapse.
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Chief Inspector Chris Hardy, of Lancashire Constabulary, said today: This appalling incident has resulted in the loss of a young boy s life and has left two others with very serious injuries. My thoughts today are with George s family and loved ones at this sad time, as well as those others affected by this incident. While we have today started our enquiries, alongside our partners, into what led to yesterday s explosion I must stress that we are faced with an extremely complex scene which needs painstaking and forensic investigation. I appreciate that the community are concerned and want answers but I m afraid it is likely to take some considerable time before we are in a position to provide them.