A BURY family whose pub was destroyed by a massive gas explosion were expected to return to the scene today

The Bridge Inn on Manchester Road, Blackford Bridge, has already been bulldozed following Saturday's blast, which ripped through the wall, roof and windows of the pub.

Miraculously, the three people inside escaped without serious injury.

Landlord Kevin Farrell, his wife Pam and their 11-year-old daughter Stephanie were taken to Bury General Hospital suffering from shock and cuts, but were not detained.

The family were sleeping upstairs at the time of the blast, which could be heard for miles around. Insp Stephen Clark of Bury Police said: "The family will be returning to the scene today when they are due to meet representatives of the owners of the pub and loss assessors."

A pile of rubble strewn with bricks, clothing and broken children's toys is all that remains of the popular pub.

Experts from gas company Transco have launched an investigation into the cause of the blast and were on the scene this morning, along with health and safety experts.

Alex Cunningham, a spokesman for Transco, said: "The area has been made safe and an investigation has been launched.

"The exact cause of the explosion is still to be determined, but it is thought to involve a problem with a low pressure gas main.

"At this time we are not sure how long the investigation will last."

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