Police respond to “major incident” in Leicester, England

Author: CBS News
Published:
CBS News

British police say they are responding to a “major incident” in Leicester, England, after an apparent explosion. Police are advising residents to avoid the area.

“All emergency services are currently dealing with this,” police said, adding that Carlisle Street and part of Hinckley Road have been closed.

Officials at the scene said they’re conducting a search and rescue operation, BBC News reports. A police spokesperson said six fire engines were responding to the incident.

Leicestershire Fire and Rescue Service said a two-floor building suffered a “pancake collapse,” and said it was unknown if anyone was injured or trapped inside. Officials said there is a hazmat team on the scene.

Video footage from the scene showed rubble on the street and smoke and flames still pouring from a building.

A witness at the scene told CBS News she heard a “bang” and thought it was a car accident. She said emergency services arrived within minutes and that she could see the fire about 200 meters away.

This is a developing story and will be updated.

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