A house has been destroyed in Birmingham after an explosion, with reports of casualties, police said.
West Midlands police said the number of casualties and the severity of their injuries have yet to be determined after the incident in the Kingstanding area.
The force said a house has been destroyed and other properties significantly affected, while cars have also been damaged.
All emergency services, including six fire crews, and utility companies are at the scene in Dulwich Road after police were called at 8:38 p.m.
The cause of the explosion has not yet been established.
Police said residents are being evacuated and people have been urged to avoid the area.
The force thanked those who had “helped the shocked and injured neighbors.”
Images on social media showed flames, damage and rubble of a red brick townhouse. Shared aerial shots on Twitter also showed flames flying into the sky.
West Midlands police said: “There are reports of casualties, but the number and severity of their injuries is unknown at this time. The evacuees will be told where to find them.
“People in the area must immediately follow the instructions of the first officials.
“Dulwich Road and the surrounding roads are closed and will be closed for a long time. Please help us by avoiding the area.”
Rick Payne, a councilor in the room, heard a “massive explosion” as he watched TV and walked to Dulwich Road to see what had happened.
He told PA Media: “Police only say that as a result there are many damaged houses, probably up to five or six houses. The house itself, where the explosion took place, has been physically destroyed. Houses aside and The houses further along the street have been collaterally damaged by the explosion. “
The West Midlands ambulance service wrote on Twitter: “We are currently dealing with a major incident on Dulwich Road, in the Kingstanding area of Birmingham.
“A large number of ambulance resources are at the scene along with @WestMidsFire and @WMPolice.
“The public is being asked to stay away from the area to allow us to work.”
The service added that three ambulances, five paramedics, a trauma doctor and a critical care paramedic and an emergency response team were among those who had been sent to the scene.
In a statement, the West Midlands fire service said: “At 8:38 p.m., fire crews responded to multiple reports of an explosion on Dulwich Lane, Kingstanding.
“The blast, the cause of which is unknown at this time, has destroyed a property and caused damage to other nearby properties and vehicles.
“The number of victims or injured is not confirmed at this time.
“We are working hard with colleagues from the West Midlands police, the West Midlands ambulance, Cadent Gas and National Grid to handle this incident.”