Pictures show devastation at former snooker hall after suspected gas explosion in Houghton

Photographs and video footage from the scene of the explosion show the severe damage caused to the Houghton Snooker and Social Club, which sits between Newbottle Street and Hillside Way, a few metres away from the Lidl supermarket car park.

There were no injuries or reports of damage to other properties in the area. But the destruction and debris to the snooker club is extensive.

Much of a wall and a sloping roof on the west side of the building have been blown away. Damaged brick work and breeze blocks have created a great deal of rubble, and the destroyed section has since been sectioned off by temporary fencing.

There is also damage to the roller shutter which covers the main entrance of the snooker hall.

The suspected explosion and also a fire were reported to the fire service at around 12.05am on Monday, December 16. Crews from both Rainton Bridge and Farringdon fire stations were sent to the scene.

A spokesperson for Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue service said: “Crews left the incident in the hands of a gas and structural engineer.

“Thankfully no-one was injured.”

Fire fighters left the scene at around 1.30am and Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue service confirmed that the incident is now being dealt with by officers from Northumbria Police.

A team from Northern Gas Network is at the site today.