A family of four remains in hospital after the blast, which destroyed one house in Gorse Park and caused severe damage to several others.

The cause of the explosion is still being investigated. A cordon has been placed around the site while structural engineers determine which properties are safe.

Neighbours were evacuated from the area after emergency services were called at about 7.10pm on Monday.

South Ayrshire Council said it is working with emergency services to determine who can return to their homes and those who cannot due to “ongoing building safety concerns”.

“We are working to establish a reception centre in the area for anyone returning who stayed with friends or relatives as well as those who were accommodated overnight in a local hotel,” it added. “Our aim is to get people back home as soon as possible but we can only do this once we are confident properties are safe.”

The council said: “Once we know who may still require accommodation, our housing teams will work with residents to support them.

“As soon as we are clear where the inner cordon lies, we will start the clear-up operation, which requires to be done with sensitivity due to personal effects being included among general debris.”

The council said it was grateful for the support of the community but has asked people at this stage to stop dropping off material support at Queen Margaret Academy.

“We will clarify in due course if any support is needed and how people can contribute,” it added.

Police Chief Inspector Derrick Johnston said authorities are working together to investigate what happened and described it as a “complex incident”.

He said: “Our thoughts are with the family and everyone within the local community affected by this.

“A joint investigation with the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service is being carried out.”

He added the family are in serious condition in hospital.

A woman, 43, and a 16-year-old boy are being treated at Glasgow Royal Infirmary, a 47-year-old man is being at the city’s Queen Elizabeth University Hospital and an 11-year-old boy is at the Royal Hospital for Children.