At least 34 people have been injured in a huge explosion in New Ferry.
Merseyside Fire and Rescue were called to the junction of Boundary Road and Circular Drive at 9.14pm on Saturday to reports of a suspected gas explosion.
Several buildings had collapsed as the result of the blast, with its reverberations felt in surrounding areas across the Wirral that stretched as far as Prenton.
Among the damage was a children’s dance studio which was unoccupied at the time.
The North West Ambulance Service have confirmed two people suffered serious injuries while a further 32 were also hurt and taken to various local hospitals.
A number of houses at the heart of the incident were evacuated with around 20 people moved to a nearby church.
Emergency services are currently liaising with Wirral Council and the National Grid in efforts to clear debris from the scene and ensure its safety to the public.
Police officers are also going house to house in the local area offering advice and reassurance to local residents.