A church minister says her community is "shocked and saddened" by the death of a man who leapt from his burning home in Greater Manchester earlier this week.

John Wilson, 63, died in hospital from injuries he suffered jumping from a first floor bedroom window at a terraced house in Ashton-under-Lyne on Tuesday morning.

Rev Karen Hilsden from nearby Hurst Methodist Church said: "On behalf of the local community, we are all shocked and saddened by yesterday's explosion and the tragic death of John Wilson."

"Our thoughts and prayers are with those who have been affected, particularly the Wilson family and we would appreciate it if you would respect their privacy at this difficult time."

Here is some footage captured by our @air_unit earlier today #ashtonunderlyne pic.twitter.com/4n71nh36gZ

— Manchester Fire (@manchesterfire) August 9, 2016

Mr Wilson, who had previously undergone a double lung transplant and had been using a stair lift, escaped the blazing property on Curzon Road moments before it exploded.

Emergency services say an investigation into the cause of the incident is underway and three homes on the street will have to be demolished.

At least ten other people were hurt in the incident.

Speaking with the Manchester Evening News, Mr Wilson's 25-year-old daughter Leanna Wilson said: "He was an excellent dad and grandad - and a fabulous husband to Mum. He'll be missed by a lot of people."