UK police declare ‘major incident’ following reported explosion in Leicester
FOUR people have been rushed to hospital following a reported explosion at a building in Leicester.
The property, believed to be a convenience store with residential flats above, is understood to have gone up in flames around 7.00pm Sunday local time.
“Leicestershire Fire and Rescue Service are dealing with the incident and Hinckley Road between Mostyn Street and Carlisle Street has been closed off,” British police said in a statement.
“Businesses and homes in the immediate vicinity have been evacuated and those affected have been taken to Hinckley Road police station as a temporary measure.”
Four people have been hospitalised, however their injuries remain unknown at this stage.
The cause of the explosion will be the subject of a joint investigation by the police and Leicestershire Fire and Rescue Service.
“We would ask that the media and public do not speculate about the circumstances surrounding the incident but at this stage there is no indication this is terrorist related,” police said.
EARLIER @ 7.00 AM | POLICE have declared a major incident following a reported explosion at a convenience store in Leicester.
The property on Hinckley Road is understood to have gone up in flames around 7.00pm local time.
Several emergency crews are on scene and evacuations are currently underway.
It’s not yet known if anyone has been injured, however there are believed to be residential flats above the convenience store where the alleged explosion happened.
| Major Incident |
19:19 |There has been a major incident on Hinckley Road, Leicester. All emergency services are currently dealing with this. Carlisle Street and part of Hinckley Road have been closed Please avoid the area.
— LeicestershirePolice (@leicspolice) February 25, 2018
Local police have urged people to avoid the area.
#BREAKING: There has been a huge explosion at a convenience store in Leicester. #9News pic.twitter.com/2oJn8ZtymZ
— Nine News Australia (@9NewsAUS) February 25, 2018
This footage shows the aftermath of an apparent explosion in the Hinckley Road area of Leicester. Police have declared a “major incident.” More information as we get it. pic.twitter.com/ghVIGEYjdk
— BBC East Midlands (@bbcemt) February 25, 2018
