EMERGENCY services were called to an industrial estate in Birkenhead following an explosion earlier this morning.

At around 4.45am, police and firefighters were called to Argyle Industrial Estate in Appin Road following reports of a blast.

Emergency services attended and found some damage to the building but no injuries were reported.

Gas emergency service Cadent are currently at the scene and have turned the supply off to make the area safe as part of checks.

Enquiries are ongoing to establish the full circumstances.

Please avoid the area if possible while emergency services deal with the incident.

In a statement, Cadent said: "We were called to a report of an explosion this morning at 05:53 by the fire service.

"We are carrying out our usual safety checks in the area and assisting the fire service with their investigation.

"It is too early to know the cause of the explosion.

"We have checked our records and there have been no reports of a smell of gas to the national gas emergency service in this area of Tranmere recently.

"If you ever smell gas, act fast and report it immediately to the national gas emergency service 0800 111 999*.”