One house has been destroyed and several others have suffered significant damage following an explosion in Birmingham.
West Midlands police have said there have been reports of casualties, but the number and severity of people’s injuries is currently unknown.
Emergency services and utilities are handling the incident on Dulwich Road, Kingstanding.
Evacuations are being carried out and residents have been told to follow first aid “immediately”.
The West Midlands ambulance service said a “large number” of its resources were facing the “significant incident”.
“The public is being asked to stay away from the area to allow us to work,” he said.
A total of six fire crews are also at the scene, along with Cadent Gas and National Grid agents.
Police took to the streets shortly after 8:30 p.m.
“Dulwich Road and the surrounding roads are closed and will be closed for a long time,” the force said in a statement.
“Please help us by avoiding the area.”
The cause of the explosion is not yet known.