A family who miraculously escaped from a devastating explosion at their home have thanked neighbours who saved their lives.

Jay Sabanal and his daughter Bella were pulled from the rubble of their home in Howard's Grove Southampton.

Today they were too shocked to speak about their ordeal, but speaking on their behalf Alvin Agbay, president of the Filipino Community Hampshire, said: "the good thing is that they are alive.

"It's miraculous especially with such a terrible event.

"They are really thankful for the neighbours who moved her and Jay.

"They are thankful to the police and fire brigade and all the community in Southampton who are giving them moral support."

Daily Echo:

He said the family were exhausted after the ordeal and added: "They have lots of bruises on their face and Bella has bruises on her head.

"But they are well especially the girl and "But they don't have clothes or shoes and their bank cards were in there so they have no means of drawing out money.

"Our community is organising donations and a monetary fund to give them emergency needs ."

He also thanked the wider Southampton community for their help especially the Salvation Army Shirley branch.

He added: "We are really grateful and appreciate their help."