Ladram Bay Holiday Park, which is nearby on Ladram Road, said on Facebook, external: “Due to circumstances out of our control, the road in and out to Ladram Bay Holiday Park is currently closed.

“We will keep you updated once we know more. Sorry for the inconvenience caused.”

Wales and West Utilities said teams attended the incident and found “severe structural damage” to the property.

Dan Lawrence, the company’s emergency service manager for Devon, said they were supporting police and fire services to make the area safe.

“There is no gas mains network in the area, and so the explosion is not related to natural gas,” he said.

“We will continue to support the emergency services who remain in control at the scene.”