Toddler Dies in Shocking Gas Explosion in Mallowdale Avenue
Emergency crews raced to Mallowdale Avenue at 2.40am on Sunday, May 16, after a powerful blast tore through the street. Two houses were completely flattened, and a third suffered serious damage.
Tragic Loss of Two-Year-Old George Arthur Hinds
Heartbreakingly, toddler George Arthur Hinds, just two years and 10 months old, was killed in the explosion. George’s family have been left devastated by the tragedy.
His parents, Vicky Studholme and Stephen Hinds, were injured but thankfully their wounds are not serious. Both have been discharged from hospital but remain under the care and support of specially trained officers.
Two others – a 44-year-old man and a 50-year-old woman – remain critically ill in hospital.
Gas Pipe Sabotage Behind Blast, Police Confirm
Detectives, helped by gas experts, have been combing through the wreckage. They have pinpointed the source of the explosion: a gas pipe inside No. 20 Mallowdale Avenue had been deliberately cut.
Investigations into who cut the pipe and why are ongoing and expected to take significant time.
“My thoughts first and foremost remain with George’s loved ones at this time, as well as those others affected by this incident,” said Detective Chief Inspector Jane Webb of the Force Major Investigation Team.
“We’ve recovered some personal items belonging to George, which mean a lot to his parents. Our focus now is on establishing how and why the pipe was cut – a complex and lengthy enquiry.”
“I’d like to thank the community for their help so far and urge anyone with any information, no matter how insignificant it seems, to come forward.”
Police Appeal for Witnesses
Forensic teams have completed their work, and the scene has been handed over to local authorities. Police have now launched a full criminal investigation into the explosion.
If you know anything, contact police on 101, quoting log 0180 of May 16. You can also report details anonymously via the Major Incident Portal at mipp.police.uk or call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
