POLICE have confirmed that theft of copper piping caused a Leverington bungalow which was under renovation to explode in the early hours of the morning.

Officers received reports of the theft at the St Leonard’s Road property over the weekend.

The theft caused a small gas leak which resulted in an explosion destroying the home, a police spokesman said.

Inspector Robin Sissons said: “This incident shows how dangerous stealing copper pipes from homes can be.”

He said the blast “obliterated” the house and added: “It is only sheer luck that the offender responsible, or the people living nearby, was not killed or seriously injured.

“I would also urge people who have properties under renovation to shut off their gas supply when the home is unoccupied.”