HOMES have been evacuated after a number of gas cylinders containing dangerous chemicals were discovered at the scene of a blaze.
Merseyside Police and Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service are currently dealing with an incident following a fire in Birkenhead this afternoon.
At about 4.20pm, Merseyside Fire and Rescue advised police that firefighters tackling a blaze at the rear of a property on Bedford Avenue had found two acetylene cylinders.
Police patrols attended and, in order to ensure the safety of the public, an area around the location of the fire has been cordoned off while emergency services work to resolve the situation.
Drivers are advised to avoid the area.
A number of properties have been evacuated as a precautionary measure.
The incident is still on-going at this time and is likely to continue for a number of hours while emergency services work to resolve the situation.
Police officers will remain at the scene to assist with the road closures and to provide reassurance to the public until the situation has been resolved.
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