The Southampton community is rallying round to help a family whose house was wrecked in a devastating explosion.

Jay Sabanal and his four-year-old daughter miraculously escaped their house in Howards Grove after a huge blast at 1.30am this morning.

The terrified pair, who were sleeping at the time, were pulled out of the rubble by Neighbours.

They escaped with minor injuries and were taken to Southampton General Hospital by ambulance.

Jay's wife Liberty was working a night shift at the hospital at the time and was later reunited with the pair.

More on today's gas explosion:

Now Southampton residents are rallying around to gather clothing and other vital supplies for the family who have lost everything just a month before Christmas.

The family - originally from the Phillipines - are being cared for by friends in the city's Filipino community who are starting a collection as is the Shirley branch of the Salvation Army.

Daily Echo:

Family friend Marivic Palinawam who has known Liberty since she first arrived in the city said: "It's a really shocking situation and its affected their lives so badly.

"You can't imagine what it's like.

"Christmas is coming and their house is gone.

"We are trying to reach out to the and do all we can to help.

"A good friend is putting them up but the most important thing is trying to help them as they've got nothing."

A spokeswoman for the Salvation Army in Victor Street said: "We are thinking of the family at this time of year with the things that have happened to them the community wanted to do something to help."

  • Contact the organisation on 023 8077 1655 to help.