A MAN is being treated in a specialist burns unit after a horrific gas explosion in his Ipswich home.

A MAN is being treated in a specialist burns unit after a horrific gas explosion in his Ipswich home.

Emergency services were called to the ground floor flat in St George's Street at just after 2pm on Saturday.

Reports suggested that Colin Muffett, 52, had been blown through a window by the powerful explosion which happened in his kitchen.

The victim was treated by paramedics at the scene before being taken to hospital and later transferred to a specialist burns unit at Broomfield Hospital in Chelmsford.

Mr Muffett had suffered burns to his hands and his torso in the explosion which lifted a neighbour off her feet as she hung out her washing.

Other neighbours were evacuated from nearby flats by the police as gas workers came out to ensure the properties were safe.

One of them, who did not wish to be named, said yesterday: “There was a huge explosion and the police knocked on the door and said could we come out.

“We all had to get out while they checked the gas in our flats.”

The neighbours have since been caring for Mr Muffett's two cats while he remains in hospital.

Three fire crews from Ipswich went to the explosion and as well as dealing with the flat they also cut three rings off Mr Muffett's fingers.

A spokeswoman for Suffolk Police said: “Police were called at 2.47pm to a gas explosion at a flat.

“The window had apparently been completely blown out, the male had been blown through it.

“He was treated by ambulance at the scene and then taken to hospital.”

She said a worker was on scene to disconnect the gas supply at the property and the council sent out a referral officer to assess any damage to the building.

It is not known how long Mr Muffett will be in hospital or the full details of his injuries.