An explosion has killed a man at a house in New Hampshire after he shot a policeman investigating a disturbance reported at the property.

Police officer Stephen Arkell was responding to a report of a domestic dispute at a property in Brentwood when he was shot and killed.

A fire later broke out at the house, with an explosion destroying the property during a stand off with police.

The suspected gunman is presumed to have died in the fire.

ABC News reports that when asked about the explosion, Assistant Attorney General Jane Young said it was not yet clear, but added “accidental is probably not likely.”