First picture of Frank Burton, 91, who died in tragic Wythenshawe house explosion

manchestereveningnews.co.uk:

This is Frank Burton - who died in a suspected gas explosion at his house in Wythenshawe. The 91-year-old was tragically found dead following the blast on Brownley Road last night (Thursday).

Police said there were reports of a gas explosion, though specific details have not yet been confirmed. Frank's family paid tribute to him at the scene this morning as investigations continued, describing him as 'a character and a good guy'.

His brother Philip said he feared that his sibling may have bought an appliance to 'help with the cold snap in anticipation of rising energy bills' - and that it may have sparked the blast.

He said: "The explosion is typical of gas. Whether that's mains gas, or if he had something in to help with the cold snap and anticipating rise in energy, he may have bought something." An appliance may have been left on and could have sparked the explosion the Manchester Evening News understands, though this has not been confirmed by officials.