A man is in a critical condition in hospital in the North after a suspected gas explosion at a house in Derry.

The house in Bonds Street was extensively damaged following the explosion which happened just after 10:30pm last night.

A number of other homes had to be evacuated while fire fighters tackled the blaze.

Emergency services are still working to make the area safe so the road can be reopened and residents can return to their homes.

It is understood the man was taken to the Royal Victoria Hospital in Belfast for serious burns injuries.