'We've seen best and worst of people after blast'

The neighbours of a house that was destroyed after a gas explosion fear their empty home has been burgled.

Rich Cainey has been unable to enter his home since the explosion in Lancaster Road, Yate, on 29 April, because the building was deemed structurally unsafe.

He said neighbours spotted someone in his house at 05:00 BST on Tuesday before they were seen "carrying something and running off".

"You see the worst of people as well as the best. It's just bewildering. Why would you risk it?" he said.

Avon and Somerset Police confirmed reports were made about a man entering one of the homes but no arrests had been made.

The force said the man was described as being in his 20s or 30s, white, of medium build with dark hair and wearing a dark denim jacket or shirt, blue jeans and trainers.

Anyone with information was asked to get in touch with police.

Mr Cainey, who has lived in the house for 35 years with his parents, said he was thrown out of bed and across the room when the property next door exploded.

He said he was still suffering nightmares and flashbacks of the explosion.

"For a few days after, every time there was a noise in the night I was up on my feet without even consciously doing it, having strange dreams about being trapped in houses," he said.

"It has affected me more than I would probably show. It's hard."

More than 40 residents were evacuated after the flames spread to neighbouring homes.

Three people were taken to hospital, with two of the injured people believed to have lived at the house, the BBC understands.

Police said their injuries were not believed to be life-threatening or life-changing.

Rich's father Rob said: "It's raw because you've got no base, you've been to one house then you go to another."

However, he said he and his family had been "brought to tears" by the kindness of their community in the wake of the explosion.

As well as setting up a fundraising page, friends and neighbours have offered the family places to stay, clothing and other essential items.

"It's really moving," Rob said.

"No-one expects it. One day you're just living you life, the next minute something like this happens and it destroys everything, and it's people's humanity that makes it easier for every one."

The family have been struggling to get their lives in order, but have been hampered by being unable to access documents and devices in the house.

The Caineys became entangled in a dispute with Virgin Media after being they would have to pay £225 to terminate their account because the digiboxes stuck in the house could not be returned.

Virgin Media has since apologised and, after the BBC contacted the firm, confirmed it would waive the charges.

Follow BBC Bristol on Facebook, X and Instagram. Send your story ideas to us on email or via WhatsApp on 0800 313 4630.