A Cambridgeshire home in the middle of being renovated was completely destroyed last week after thieves stole part of the heating system, subsequently causing an explosion.

Police believe the thieves broke in and stole a section of copper piping that formed part of the gas supply. This caused a gas leak and then an explosion, during which the bungalow was completely destroyed.

The housing association property was empty at the time of the blast as it was undergoing renovation, and neighbours who lived in the adjoining property were home at the time of the blast, but were unharmed. Witnesses said the front door was blown 70ft into the air by the force of the blast.

Inspector Robin Sissons said: "This incident shows how dangerous stealing copper pipes from homes can be. "This caused an explosion which obliterated the house and it is only sheer luck that the offenders responsible, or the people living nearby, were not killed or seriously injured in the blast. I would also urge people who have properties under renovation to shut off their gas supply when the home is unoccupied."

Copper pipe theft has been a major issue in recent months as the price of copper rises, with many plumbers reporting repeated thefts of metal pipework from vans and storage units. The government is planning to change scrap metal laws in an attempt to stop this growing trend.