AN ELDERLY woman has been rushed to hospital after a ‘potential’ gas explosion at her home in Buckfastleigh this morning.

Emergency services rushed to Barn Park in the town just before 8am and discovered a ‘significantly damaged’ property.

It is understood that the occupant has been flown to hospital in Bristol after suffering burns in the explosion.

A second person was treated at the scene for minor injuries. Residents have been evacuated from nearby properties while police and fire fighters make the scene safe.

Witnesses at the scene say the explosion blew the roof off the building and the front walls were thrown across the street.

The area has remains cordoned off.

Buckfastleigh town councillor Pam Barrett said: ‘We are aware that there is an ongoing incident following an explosion in the Barn Park area this morning.

‘The Town Hall is open for anyone who has been affected our Volunteer Emergency Team will be available.

‘Please do come to the town hall of you need somewhere to go or have other needs relating to this emergency and we will coordinate with the emergency services from there.’

Anyone with information about the incident should contact police by calling 101 and quoting log number 216 of March 23, 2019.