A GAS leak is thought to be the cause of a major explosion that flattened buildings and injured dozens of people in New Ferry.

Emergency services are currently at the scene on Boundary Road where it is understood there are 30 casualties with two people seriously hurt.

There are no reports of any fatalities.

Wirral Globe:

Devastation caused by the explosion. Pictures by Craig Manning

Wirral Globe:

Several roads are closed and drivers are advised to avoid the area if possible.

Merseyside Police issued a statement saying:

Emergency services are currently attending a major incident at the junction of Boundary Road and Circular Drive, New Ferry.

Merseyside Fire & Rescue Service was called at 9.14pm tonight, Saturday 25th March, to reports of a suspected gas explosion. Crews were alerted one minute later and were on scene at 9.21pm.,

Eight fire engines are currently at the scene.

Several buildings have collapsed as the result of the explosion.

A number of casualties have been taken to Arrowe Park Hospital, Countess of Chester Hospital and Aintree Hospital.

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Clearing up the debris

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Firefighters are currently liaising with Merseyside Police, North West Ambulance Service, National Grid and Wirral council to clear debris and make the scene safe.

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Police officers are also going house to house in the local area offering advice and reassurance to local residents.

New Chester Road, Pool Bank, Circular Drive, Primrose Hill and New Ferry Road are currently closed.

The incident is ongoing.

Wirral Globe:

Emergency services at the scene tonight

Merseyside Fire and Rescue confirmed they are responding to a suspected gas leak.

A spokeswoman for the service said: "There has been a suspected gas explosion resulting in a building collapse.

"We are liaising with police and the ambulance service."

Premises occupied by "Complete Works" dance studio was one of the buildings that has been destroyed.

A statement on its Facebook page read: "We are absolutely devastated that our lovely dance studios were impacted by tonight's events but first and foremost we are so very grateful that no one was in them at the time and now we hope there are no serious injuries and that everyone local is safe".

A nearby funeral director's is also understood to have been flattened.

The force of the blast was felt as far as Wallasey and Heswall.

Wirral Globe:

Police cordon in place on New Chester Road

One passerby told the Globe: "We were walking to a pub nearby and there was a definite smell of strong gas around that area this was about 20 minutes before the explosion."

Another said: "I saw one man injured, I think a few people were injured.

"The building is gone, my door is damaged and broken. It's really scary, it was a big explosion but I didn't see any fire."

One witness said: "I was sitting in the restaurant opposite Bebington station when there was a huge explosion which rocked the place.

"Terrifying. I hope those taken to hospital are okay."

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Emergency services at the scene

Local resident Katie O’Hanlon, whose family had to be evacuated from their property, explained how a quiet night at home suddenly turned into a terrifying ordeal.

She said: “We were sitting watching TV and there was a big bang and our windows came through, upstairs and downstairs.

"Initially we thought a bus had come through.

“Our children are okay and have gone to their grandparents.

"I was just telling the boys to turn off the telly when it happened.

“My husband saw somebody lying on the ground over the road, but fortunately they were able to get up.”

Merseytravel suspended rail services between Birkenhead Central and Ellesmere Port and Chester.

Wirral Council said its emergency team has set up refuges for those unable to return to their homes; they are at the nearby Aldi and the Life Centre opposite Bebington Station.

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Complete Works dancing studio on Boundary Road. Picture: Google

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This picture sent in by reader Jack Crilly shows the extent of the damage

The local authority tweeted just after midnight: "Be aware there are a number of road closures in New Ferry and Port Sunlight following explosion in area.

"Please avoid if at all possible."

Shortly after the explosion, Bromborough ward councillor Warren Ward said on Twitter: "This is a very serious incident and it's important that residents give the emergency services the space they need.

"I have spoken to Merseyside Police and they are aware of the incident and are on scene. I have also notified @WirralCouncil - Hope all ok."

More to follow.