A man has pleaded guilty to arson following a huge explosion in Hambleton, Lancashire, which destroyed a family home and left the owner with nothing. Darren Davies, 54, of Carr Lane, appeared at Preston Crown Court on Thursday, May 14, where he admitted arson with recklessness as to whether life was endangered.
Emergency services were called to Carr Lane just before 10am on Friday, March 27, after an explosion at the home of Craig Davies. Firefighters remained at the scene for several hours. Darren Davies was arrested on suspicion of arson and later charged.
After the explosion, a colleague of Craig Davies launched a GoFundMe page to help him find somewhere to live and buy clothes and essentials. The fundraiser raised more than £3,700. Sam Bramall, who set up the page, wrote: 'On the morning of 27 March 2026, a devastating explosion tore through a home on Carr Lane in Hambleton. The blast completely destroyed the property, leaving nothing salvageable.'
Bramall added: 'My colleague, Craig Davies was at work when he received the devastating phone call that the home he lives in was destroyed. In a matter of minutes, Craig lost everything he owned. He now has nothing more than the clothes on his back. All of his personal belongings, pets, memories, and the precious items left to him by his parents were taken by the fire.'
Darren Davies was remanded in custody and will return to Preston Crown Court on July 30 for sentencing.
