A LONER caused a huge explosion at his Worcester flat after buying 10 litres of petrol, a jury was told.

The blast blew out window frames and sent brickwork crashing into the street.

Neighbours had to evacuate their homes as a fire broke out in the early hours.

Christopher Wisocki allegedly fled from his flat above a bathroom and kitchen shop in Droitwich Road shortly before the petrol he had lit exploded.

A man fitting his description was seen by a security guard running from the scene carrying a sports bag.

Wisocki was arrested the next day after he went to a city housing office in a bid to get new accommodation.

Prosecutor Lawrence Watts said a similar bag was seized from him, containing personal effects for survival including a toothbrush.

A forensic scientist who examined Wisocki's clothing discovered melted fibres on his training shoes and jeans. Petrol residue was also found on his trainers.

Mr Watts told the jury at Worcester Crown Court: "He answered no comment' to every question put to him by police."

Mr Watts described the defendant as a loner who rented flat 37B on the first floor of the complex. On September 13 last year, Wisocki bought two cans of petrol from a garage, before returning home to sit at his window. Neighbour Matthew Adams returned from a pub at 11pm and saw Wisocki rocking to and for and staring down at him.

Mr Adams, who had spent £5,000 renovating his home, said Wisocki, his next door neighbour, played loud music until 12.45am, then it suddenly went quiet.

Half an hour afterwards he was awakened by a huge explosion. "It was the loudest thing I had ever heard," he said. "I went to the bedroom window and could see brickwork falling. The front of the building came crashing down.

"My flat was full of smoke. Flames were at the back kitchen window. People were banging on the door telling me the building was on fire."

Mr Adams and his girlfriend managed to get out of the building unhurt.

Security guard Martin Moss was driving towards the city when he saw a man with a hooded top running across Ombersley Road.

Wisocki, aged 22, denies arson with reckless whether life was endangered.

The trial continues.