A Gillingham man has been charged in connection with an explosion in a town centre that injured 30 people.

Pascal Blasio is accused of unlawfully and maliciously causing a blast likely to endanger life or cause serious injury to property.

It comes following an explosion in New Ferry in the Wirral on March 25, 2017 that destroyed a dance school and damaged nearby homes and shops.

Merseyside Police confirmed the 56-year-old has been released on bail and will appear at Wirral Magistrates' Court on April 4.

Contract Natural Gas Limited (CNG) has also been charged with an offence under the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 for failing to ensure a redundant live gas service to a property in Bebington Road was disconnected following the removal of a meter.