Donations are pouring in to help people affected by the massive explosion that destroyed a number of homes on Tuesday.

Seven people were injured in an explosion that left a huge hole in a terrace in Willesborough, Ashford, Kent.

Three people, including a 90-year-old woman, were reportedly rescued immediately after the incident by a father and son.

Fire investigators returned to the scene on Wednesday to assist Kent Police with their enquiries.

A JustGiving page set up by the owner of a local Facebook group has so far raised more than £5,300 for those affected by the explosion, with a target of £10,000.

“We want to help all those affected by the gas explosion, at a time when everything that could be useful is being lost, as someone who believes strongly in the local community, any small donation will help them get back on their feet, despite the terrible scenes and through no fault of their own,” reads a statement about the fundraiser organised by Ben Farnham.

Several people are believed to have been trapped by the blast and had to be freed by emergency services.

As a result of the explosion, most of the house was destroyed, only the chimney remained.

Two people were taken to hospital in London with serious injuries, the South East Coast Ambulance Service said, while five others were taken to William Harvey Hospital in Ashford, where their injuries were considered to be less serious.

Police said all the occupants were located shortly afterwards and the explosion is not being treated as suspicious at this stage.

Firefighters from seven fire brigades were called to extinguish the fire that broke out after the explosion.