Home near Washington DC explodes as police surround armed suspect

A huge explosion has destroyed at least one home in a suburb of Washington DC as police executed a search warrant, authorities said.

Before the blast in Arlington, Virginia, police said someone from inside the house had fired shots as officers tried to enter.

Police said earlier they had responded to reports of someone firing a flare gun from a residence.

It is not clear if anyone was hurt in Monday night's explosion.

Some residents in the surrounding area said on social media they felt their homes shake.

The fire department is trying to extinguish the blaze.

Arlington County police posted on X, formerly known as Twitter: "As officers were attempting to execute a search warrant at the residence, the suspect discharged several rounds inside the home.

"Subsequently, an explosion occurred at the residence and officers continue to investigate the circumstances of the explosion."

One online video shows what appears to be at a Swat team vehicle advancing towards the residence as the blast occurs.

Some residents have been evacuated by police while others have been told to shelter in place.

One eyewitness, Jim Mathews, posted on X before the explosion that he saw several flares.

"Looked like flares being fired off," he said. "Would last 15-20 seconds. Several in a mater of 5 mins or so."