A man from Gillingham who was charged in connection with a town centre explosion has appeared in court.

The blast happened in March 2017 in New Ferry and injured 31 people.

According to the BBC, Pascal Blasio, 56, appeared at Wirral Magistrates' Court charged with causing an explosion likely to endanger life.

It was also reported that Contract National Gas, based in Harrogate, also appeared in court charged with failing to discharge general health and safety duty to a person other than an employee.

No pleas were entered to the charges.

He was released on unconditional bail and will appear at Liverpool Crown Court on May 2.