A man has sustained life-changing burn injuries following a significant explosion at a property in Derbyshire that is suspected to have been operating as an illegal cannabis farm. The incident occurred on Friday afternoon, prompting a major emergency response and launching a joint police and fire service investigation.
Emergency Response to Summerfield Road Incident
Derbyshire Constabulary and Derbyshire Fire & Rescue Service were called to Summerfield Road in the Boythorpe area of Chesterfield at approximately 2.50pm on Friday. Upon arrival, officers discovered evidence suggesting the property was being used for cannabis cultivation. The explosion caused substantial damage to the detached house where it occurred and also affected a neighbouring property.
Investigation and Scene Security
A thorough investigation has been initiated to determine the exact cause of the explosion. Police have confirmed the scene remains cordoned off as forensic work continues. Authorities have undertaken necessary work to make the area safe and secure following the blast.
No arrests have been made at this stage, according to official statements from Derbyshire Constabulary. The force has emphasised that there is no wider threat or danger to the public despite the dramatic nature of the incident.
Appeal for Witnesses and Footage
Police are actively appealing for witnesses who may have seen anything suspicious or heard what they described as a "loud bang" on Friday afternoon. Investigators are particularly interested in obtaining any available CCTV footage, Ring doorbell recordings, or dash cam video that covers the scene around the time of the explosion.
Residents in the immediate vicinity were evacuated as a precautionary measure but have since been allowed to return to their homes. Fortunately, no neighbours sustained injuries during the incident.
How to Provide Information
Anyone with information about the explosion is urged to contact Derbyshire Constabulary by calling 101 or submitting a report through their official online channels. For those wishing to remain anonymous, the independent charity CrimeStoppers can be contacted on 0800 555 111 or via their website.
The investigation continues as authorities work to piece together the events leading up to the explosion and identify those responsible for the suspected illegal cannabis operation.
