A search and rescue operation is underway after an explosion in Leicester.
At least four people have been killed after an explosion and fire in Leicester, with a search and rescue operation taking place on Monday morning.
The blast took place at a building with a shop premises on the ground floor and a two-storey flat directly above it.
Six people were taken to Leicester Royal Infirmary, with police declaring a major incident.
Police Superintendent Shane O'Neill said: "There are four confirmed fatalities at this stage and a number of people still undergoing treatment in hospital.
"The building consisted of a shop premises on the ground level and a two-storey flat above it.
"We believe there may be people who have not yet been accounted for and rescue efforts continue in order to locate any further casualties.
"Once the site is deemed to be safe, a joint investigation with Leicestershire Fire and Rescue Service will begin looking into the circumstances surrounding the incident, which at this stage is not being linked to terrorism."
The fire appears to have engulfed a convenience store on Hinckley Road, next to a shop called TJ's Takeaway. Firefighters worked through the night in what were described as 'bitterly cold temperatures'.
Terrorism is not suspected.
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