A man is fighting for his life in hospital following a house explosion in Manchester.

Greater Manchester Police said the man was in a critical condition and had been taken to hospital.

Neighbouring properties are being evacuated, and a woman has been treated for what police said were believed to be minor injuries.

Phil Hendrick, head of operational delivery (North West) at Cadent, said it was "too early to confirm a cause".

"We are onsite in Ash Street assisting fire and other emergency services, which is routine for an incident of this nature," he said.

Hendrick added: "Our job in an incident like this is to ensure everything associated with gas is safe.

"Although it is too early to confirm a cause, there is nothing at this stage to suggest any issues with the local gas network."

Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service said firefighters remained on site to make the area safe.