Community leaders have expressed their shock at the house explosion in Clacton and also their appreciation for the swift response from the emergency services.

The blast, which took place on Cloes lane shortly before 8.30am, resulted in nine people being taken to hospital, two with serious burns. Two houses were also destroyed and number of surrounding properties damaged.

Clacton MP Douglas Carswell said he had been due to meet a group of residents at Cloes Lane later today.

“Everyone is shocked but also extremely appreciative of the response of the Fire Service, Police and the Ambulance and Air Ambulance services who went about their jobs effectively and with the minimum of fuss,” he said.

“It is also encouraging to see local groups and charities coming together to raise funds for those affected. It seems to have brought the best out in everyone.”

District councillor for the Rush Green ward where Cloes lane is located, Danny Mayzes, said the explosion had “rocked the local community”.

“I am sure that everybody is thinking of those affected and we all hope those with life-threatening injuries pull through from this terrible incident. Clacton has been incredibly fortunate that none of its townsfolk have been lost,“ he said.

“The emergency services and all others involved are doing a fantastic job managing the situation and, as local councillor, this is all I would ever ask; for people to be doing their best to help the town come through this together.

He added: “There will no doubt be an investigation into what happened, but for now, all that is important is ensuring that evacuated residents are able to return to their homes as quickly as possible and that the injured receiving medical care are being given the best treatment possible, in order to make the best recovery possible.”

Police and Crime Commissioner for Essex, Nick Alston, spoke of his admiration for the response of the emergency services.

He said; “I am saddened to learn of the incident earlier this morning in Cloes Lane, Clacton, in which a number of people were injured, some seriously. My deepest sympathy is with them all.

“Early accounts suggest that there was a rapid and effective response by all the emergency services, to control the aftermath of the explosion, treat the injured, evacuate local people and ensure the wider community was kept safe. Our police, fire and medical teams have highly developed emergency plans to ensure that they can respond quickly and professionally to tragedies such as this, and seek to control the harm caused.

“I was briefed on the incident by Chief Constable Stephen Kavanagh soon after it happened. I have been following its development with great concern for those injured, and admiration for the manner in which the emergency services and the local community have responded.”