Contractors working for the house builder had struck rock while digging foundations for a large housing site in the East Renfrewshire village of Eaglesham.

There were plans to carry out drilling and controlled blasting at the 121-home development, but local homeowners claimed no warnings were issued ahead of yesterday afternoon’s blast.

One told local STV News: “The whole house shook and rocks showered down all over, damaging homes and cars. There are debris and rocks strewn all over the roads and in people’s gardens.

“I think at least 20 houses have been affected and there’s been windows panned in, house tiles smashed, cars damaged – I think it’s very lucky no one got killed.

A spokesman for the construction firm said: “The incident took place earlier this afternoon during planned groundworks at our Eaglesham development, Polnoon.

“While there is no evidence of anyone being injured our immediate priority is the safety of the local community, residents and personnel on site.

“We are working with the emergency services who are on site and have a team of skilled tradesmen on standby to secure and repair affected properties.”

“An investigation has already begun to establish the cause of the incident.”