A DEVASTATING explosion that rocked a quiet Mere street in the early hours has led to a prison sentence after a man’s reckless actions put an entire neighbourhood at risk.

Residents in Caddy Lane were jolted awake just before dawn on December 16, 2024, when a powerful blast tore through a rented home.

Windows shook, alarms sounded and within moments, emergency services were rushing to the scene.

Inside the property, 73-year-old Martin Clayton had poured petrol across his living room and set it alight, triggering the explosion.

Remarkably, he was found inside the house uninjured, but the damage was catastrophic.

The home was left so badly affected it now needs to be completely rebuilt.

Neighbours, stunned by the blast, acted fast calling 999 and helping prevent what could have been an even greater disaster.

Clayton, now of Dudnance Lane in Pool, was later charged with arson being reckless as to whether life was endangered. Although he initially denied the offence, he changed his plea shortly before trial.

At Salisbury Crown Court yesterday (April 21), he was jailed for three years and one month.

Det Cons Martyn Powell said: “The actions of Mr Clayton were incredibly dangerous and put not only his own life but those of his neighbours and the attending emergency services at risk.

“There was an immediate large-scale response from Wiltshire Police, South Western Ambulance Service Trust and Dorset and Wiltshire Fire and Rescue service due to the severity of the incident – thankfully there were no reported injuries, including Mr Clayton.

“I would like to praise the neighbours who, in the early hours of the morning, having been awoken by the explosion, immediately contacted the emergency services, helping to preserve life and prevent further damage.

“My thoughts are also with the home owner, who was renting the property to Mr Clayton and has had to go through an ordeal of significant distress and financial loss due to his actions. I hope that the sentence passed today provides some closure to them.

“Finally, I would like to commend the police, fire, and ambulance personnel who responded to this incident, demonstrating exceptional courage by placing themselves in harm’s way to protect nearby residents from further harm.

“Despite the hazardous circumstances, they acted with compassion and professionalism to deal with the incident expeditiously.

“The response also highlighted excellent inter agency cooperation, with effective communication and coordination throughout a highly challenging incident.”

Area manager Ant Bholah added: “Incidents of this nature highlight the importance of strong joint working between emergency services.

“Dorset & Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service worked closely with Wiltshire Police and partner agencies to safely manage the incident and reduce the risk to the community.

“Following the incident, we also continue to support partner organisations in the recovery and investigation phase, recognising the impact such events can have on residents, property owners, and responders alike.”