A MAN was taken to hospital believed to be suffering from burns after being rescued from a first floor flat in Taunton following an explosion last night.

Three fire appliances from Taunton were called to the scene of a gas explosion in Gaunton Close at around 11.30pm last night (December 12).

The ground floor of the flat was deemed unsafe and a man was rescued from the first floor flat using a triple extension ladder.

At the time of the explosion four families were evacuated while crews ensured there was no build-up of residual gas in the area.

A spokesman for Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue said: "There was a strong smell of gas when our fire crews arrived."

The cause of the igntion which resulted in an explosion is currently unknown.

A small fire was also extinguished using one hose reel jet, one safety jet, a thermal image camera and two breathing apparatus.

The area around the property has been cordoned off as investigations continue.

Staff from the gas distrubition network Wales and West Utilities were requested to attend.