A man injured in a gas explosion in Longridge has died in hospital.

Robert Fenwick was taken to Royal Preston Hospital with serious burns after the explosion in Wheatley Drive at 10.30am on Sunday 1 September.

In a statement his family confirmed Robert, aged in his 40s, had sadly passed away during Friday 6 September.

Emma Fenwick, writing on behalf of the family, said: “It’s with sad news that we inform you, Robert Anthony Fenwick passed away peacefully yesterday in hospital, with his family round him.

“We would appreciate this next few days for his immediate family to process this and have the time needed. Especially considering his two young children and mother who now need to come to terms with his passing.”

Firefighters and emergency services were called to the property in Wheatley Drive which was badly damaged by the explosion on Sunday morning.

Two people from neighbouring properties were treated for shock at the scene and neighbouring properties were evacuated.

A police presence has remained at the scene in Longridge with the road closed off, throughout this week.

A police spokesperson told Blog Preston: “We can confirm that a man injured in the suspected gas explosion has sadly passed away in hospital.

“Our thoughts are with his loved ones at this time.”

Police confirmed the death was not being treated as suspicious.

Subscribe: Keep in touch directly with the latest headlines from Blog Preston, join our WhatsApp channel and subscribe for our twice-a-week email newsletter. Both free and direct to your phone and inbox.

Read more: See the latest Preston news and headlines