Worksop explosion: Man arrested on suspicion of murder after blast killed 53-year-old David Howard

Police investigating a fatal explosion at a house in Worksop have arrested a man on suspicion of murder. Emergency services were called to John Street at 7.39pm on Saturday, April 12, after an explosion inside a house and a major incident was declared.

Despite the best efforts of the responding emergency services, 53-year-old David Howard died at the scene. His next-of-kin are continuing to be supported by specially trained officers.

Nottinghamshire Police said the cause of the explosion remains unclear and officers are keeping an open mind at this early stage in their investigation. As part of their inquiries, a 43-year-old man was arrested and questioned on suspicion of murder.

He has since been bailed pending further investigation work into the cause of the explosion, the force said. Detective Chief Inspector Ruby Burrow, of Nottinghamshire Police and who is leading the investigation, said: “Our thoughts remain with David’s loved ones at this extremely difficult time.

“Whilst we have made an arrest, I want to be really clear that our investigation remains at a very early stage and we are doing everything possible to establish what caused this deeply tragic incident.

“It remains too early to say whether there is a criminal element to this case and would ask that people avoid speculation.

“Our inquiries are continuing and I would further ask anyone with information who is yet to come forward to please contact us as soon as possible.” Anyone with additional information is asked to contact 101 quoting incident 612 of April 12.