MOST residents forced to leave their homes after an explosion that forced the evacuation of a Southampton street have been able to return home.

Neighbours were rushed from Howards Grove following an explosion on Tuesday morning but the homes of some have now been deemed safe.

Jay and Liberty Sabanal, (below) along with their four-year-old daughter Bella, have been made homeless by the blast that destroyed their house.

Daily Echo:

Bella and Jay were asleep in their home at the time but incredibly escaped without serious injury.

A Southampton City Council spokesman said: “We are continuing to support those residents affected by the gas explosion at Howards Grove in the early hours of Tuesday morning.

“Our engineers have inspected property number 34 and the remains of 32 and are working with their insurers and our contractors to make the site safe.

Daily Echo:

“Number 34 has been deemed structurally unsound at present and therefore the resident of number 36 has been moved out and accommodated by us until the insurance company can arrange more permanent accommodation.

“Inspections undertaken have determined that the privately-owned properties 38 and 40 are structurally sound and residents can return.”