A fundraiser and collection appeal has been launched to help victims of the Heysham explosion and its already raised more than £20,000.

The tragic blast on Sunday morning killed one child and injured four people - two men and two women - after it ripped through at least three properties at around 2.40am.

Police, paramedics, firefighters, and search teams were called to reports of the blast where the child was tragically pronounced dead at the scene.

Two of the adults have serious injuries, North West Ambulance Service have said.

Nearby homes have been evacuated and a cordon is in place, with an evacuation set up for locals at Salt Ayre Leisure Centre, LancsLive reports.

A child died and four adults were injured in the blast (
Image:
SWNS)

The community is rallying around those affected by the tragedy with the team at the Hurley Flyer pub at Westgate, Morecambe, leading fundraising efforts which has seen donations pour in.

Staff at the pub are offering free meals to those who have had to leave their homes - and this offer has also been extended to first responders at the scene.

Donations have poured in for the fundraiser

Staff at the Hurley Flyer said: "We have woken up to the truly devastating news of what has happened on Mallowdale Avenue and our immediate thoughts are with the families involved and their friends and neighbours.

"There is no replacing what has been lost, and the devastation has been felt by us all.

The blast took place at 2.30am (
Image:
AFP via Getty Images)
The blast ripped through three properties (
Image:
AFP via Getty Images)

"To those on Mallowdale Avenue who have lost their homes, or who have currently been displaced from them for their own safety, you are welcome to join us at the Hurley - don't worry about the next few days for your meals, we will happily look after you whilst you make further arrangements and gather your thoughts.

"Please call us or message the pub directly so we can reserve you a space.

The community is rallying together (
Image:
SWNS)
The blast is being treated as a suspected gas explosion (
Image:
SWNS)

"We would like to invite all of the scene first responders for food and drinks as they work relentlessly to look after those involved and make the area safe for other families. If you can't get to us, please call us on 01524 419044 and we will bring supplies to you."

They are also organising collections of clothes and toiletries to help those affected.

The Hurley Flyer pub

The Hurley Flyer team said: "Now, to the people of Morecambe, we need you.... your neighbours need you. We will be doing a collection of new clothes and toiletries for the families involved - noone should have to think about the basics at a time like this.

"If you are from one of the houses involved, please message us if you have size requirements and we will advertise."

A cordon remains in place at the scene of the incident and police are urging people to stay away from the area.

Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service said: "Two fire engines, the urban search and rescue unit, search and rescue dogs and the air support unit remain at the incident. Search operations continue and we are working with partners to make the area safe and investigate the cause of the explosion."

You can donate to the fund here.