Three taken to hospital after 'explosion' at Bootle home

Three people have been taken to hospital following reports of an explosion this afternoon. Emergency services have cordoned off Benedict Street in Bootle after an incident today.

Fire crews and an ambulance are in attendance on the street in the Sefton town, where a cordon is also in place. North West Ambulance Service have told the ECHO three people have been taken to hospital.

One other patient was treated and discharged on scene. Photos taken at the scene show extensive damage to the front of a house. The bay window has collapsed into the road. Debris, glass and blinds can be seen scattered in front of the property.

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A Merseyside Fire & Rescue service spokesperson told the ECHO: "Merseyside Fire & Rescue Service is in attendance at an incident on Benedict Street, Bootle. Crews were alerted at 12.43 to reports of an explosion and they arrived on scene at 12.49. Three fire engines are currently on scene.

"Crews arrived to find a two-storey property with the ground floor involved in fire. Four firefighters wearing breathing apparatus entered the property and rescued two people, who were conscious and breathing. Another two people were already out of the property.

"Gas and electrics have been isolated and the fire has been extinguished. The four people involved were handed over to North West Ambulance Service to be checked over and three of them have been conveyed to hospital.

"Cadent engineers are on scene carrying out tests in the involved property and neighbouring properties."

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