The body of a woman has been found after a house collapsed near Bury following reports of an explosion.

It happened on an estate in Summerseat, a village in the Ramsbottom district of Bury, at around 9pm on Wednesday.

Greater Manchester Police said “a woman has sadly died” following the collapse of the property.

She was pronounced dead at the scene and another woman and child were taken to hospital with minor injuries, the force said.

Five properties were evacuated as a precaution and three people were treated at the scene for minor injuries.

Although the cause of the collapse has not been officially confirmed, Daniel Peace, who lives nearby, said “there was this huge noise, like a bomb had been dropped in the middle of the street”.

“I expected to look out the window and see a crater or something, it was unbelievable,” he told Sky News.

A police spokesman said: “Inquiries are ongoing to establish the circumstances surrounding this incident.”

A joint investigation is being carried out by police, Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service and local authorities.

Bury Council leader Eamonn O’Brien said on Twitter that he had been at the scene, adding: “The council and emergency services are currently supporting residents.

“The community response has been incredible as always. Thank you.”

Electricity North West said in a tweet that it had cut power supplies to 60 properties following the incident.

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