Fire chiefs have confirmed it is likely the home devastated by an explosion and fire in Port Erin yesterday morning will have to be demolished.

A Fire and Rescue Service spokesman said the scale of the structural damage prevented personnel entering to carry out any formal investigation.

The house is likely to be demolished before an assessment can be carried out on the adjoining property, which also has severe structural damage to one side.

Other government departments may bring in specialists to help, and Manx Gas is carrying out its own investigation.

(Picture: A fire engine with the devastated house in Main Road, Port Erin in the background).