A women did in a gas explosion. The force of the explosion in north tyneside was so great it woke families across the river in south shields just after 7.30am. Tow fire crews from hebburn were among five scrambled to grey street, north shields, where the fron of a terraced house was blown off. Becris from the explosin was hurled across a wide area, and swveral people were cut by flying glass and masonry. 
The street and bearby tynemouth road were cordoned off, and buses were brought in to evacuat shocked neghbours. Although the cause of the explosion is still being investigated, residents had reported a storong smell of gas in recent days. The dead woman and seriosly burnt man are believed to be the elderly couple who lived in the devastaded house. A spokesman from hebburn fire station said: " the explosion destroyed on house and caused damage to those on either side.