Bristol 'explosion': Three injured after fire breaks out in Hartcliffe area

Emergency services have been called to an apparent explosion at a house in Bristol.

Avon Fire and Rescue said its crews were called to a fire around 7.50pm at Whitchurch Lane in the Hartcliffe area.

Steve Imrie, area manager, said four fire engines were sent to the scene and crews found a fire within a building that had sustained significant structural damage".

He said they worked to extinguish the fire while other firefighters administered first aid to three injured people at the scene.

Images showed the front of the house had been ripped away by an apparent blast.

A witness told the BBC she saw ”lots of debris and a large glass panel that looked as though it had been expelled with some force from the upstairs window” on the road.

She said her neighbours had heard a “big explosion”.

One witness told Bristol Live: ”It looks like half the house has fallen down.”

Another said they had seen at least one person being treated for burns.

Mr Imre said: “On arrival, crews found a fire within the building with significant structural damage and committed two firefighters in breathing apparatus to extinguish the fire, while other fire fighters assisted in administering first aid to three casualties on the scene.

“Crews are currently working with police, ambulance, and the local authority to make the scene safe and assess the integrity of the building.

“The cause of the incident at this time is unknown and will be subject to an investigation throughout the evening.”