Four in 'critical condition' in UK explosion

UPDATES WITH LATEST STATEMENTS

By Ahmet Gurhan Kartal

LONDON (AA) – At least four people were injured according to emergency services in a reported explosion in Leicester City Sunday evening.

East Midlands ambulance service said all four were in “critical condition.”

The explosion reportedly took place shortly after 7:00 pm (GMT) and completely demolished a two-storey building.

Leicestershire police said people from neighboring homes were evacuated and taken to a nearby police station as a temporary measure.

British police earlier declared a “major incident” following a reported explosion and fire.

“There has been a major incident on Hinckley Road, Leicester,” Leicestershire Police said in a Twitter statement.

Local media reports suggest a shop and a flat were reduced to flaming rubble following the incident.

“Carlisle Street and part of Hinckley Road have been closed Please avoid the area,” police urged locals to stay away from the scene.

It said six fire engines were at the scene.

"We have taken four patients to the Leicester Royal Infirmary at this stage," East Midlands Ambulance Service said.

The cause of the explosion "will be the subject of a joint investigation by the police and Leicestershire Fire and Rescue Service," a later statement from Leicistershire Police said.

"We would ask that the media and public do not speculate about the circumstances surrounding the incident but at this stage there is no indication this is terrorist related," it said.