THE parents of a toddler who died following a suspected gas explosion in Heysham have paid tribute to their "beautiful little angel".

Police were called to the scene of the blast on Mallowdale Avenue at about 2.40am today (Sunday, May 16).

Officers attended and found two houses collapsed with serious damage to a third property.

George Arthur Hinds, aged two years and 10 months, died as a result of the incident.

"Our thoughts are with his loved ones at this distressing time," Lancashire Police said.

George’s parents Vicky Studholme and Stephen Hinds were also injured, although it was not serious.

In a tribute, his parents said: “We are devastated at the loss of our beautiful George.

"He was so precious to us. We have no words to describe how we feel and just want time to ourselves to come to terms with what has happened. Our beautiful little angel grew his wings today.”

Two other people remain in hospital with injuries described as critical.

The emergency services, local authority and partners remain at the site and a safety cordon remains in place.

A number of residents have been evacuated and are being looked after by the local authority.

Gas service engineers are working to make the area safe and people are being asked to avoid the area while police deal with the ongoing incident.