Massive explosion rips through home and shop in Leicester, UK [Updates]

Jacob Dirnhuber
The Sun
Sun, 25 Feb 2018 20:37 UTC

© Facebook

Witnesses told of hearing a "massive explosion"I

Police declare 'major incident' and fire breaks out

All emergency services personnel in the area were diverted to Hinckley Road and Carlisle street, after witnesses reported a 'massive explosion'

Cops have declared a 'major incident' after a suspected gas explosion reportedly tore through a shop and the flat above in Leicester. The explosion reportedly took place at the Western Park Store on Hinckley Street.

The blast is thought to have obliterated both the shop, the flat above, and the the bus stop in front.Horrifying photos shared on social media show police officers desperately trying to keep people away from the flaming wreckage.

One witness wrote: "Jesus, huge explosion Hinckley road area about 10 minutes ago. Can see the flames and endless sirens going off"

Horrified locals watched on as flames pored from the wrecked convenience store

Another added "Explosion on or near Hinckley Road in Leicester. Whole house shook, loud bang, lots of smoke. Avoid the area - lots of sirens and no doubt they're closing it off"

It is not known whether anyone was in the shop when it ignited.

One horrified bystander told the Leicester Mercury: "At about 7pm, we heard an absolutely massive explosion. It was pretty frightening.

"We went to look out of the upstairs windows and saw loads of smoke, and then a few seconds later massive orange flames."

Another tweeted: "The Polish shop next to the bus stop has blown up. Avoid the area. Roads closed and lots of sirens in attendance. Smoke everywhere."

Leicestershire Fire Service said they were dealing with "a building collapse", while Leicestershire Police declared a "major incident" and advised people to avoid the area.

Comment: Video footage below:

UPDATE:

RT reports five people have been killed in the explosion:

Among the dead is a young boy, according to Leicester City Mayor, Peter Soulsby.

Another four people remain in the hospital. It is now understood a family of four lived in the flat above the shop.

Nicola Bishop, 32, who runs Sunshine Studios a few doors down from the blast site, said she understands a family of four lived in the two-bedroom flat above the shop.

O'Neill added that there may be people inside the house who have not yet been accounted for, and that the rescue operation is ongoing. He ruled out terrorism as the cause of the blast.