Three people injured in explosion in Bristol flats

Three people have been injured in a suspected gas explosion at a block of flats in South Bristol. The blast wrecked one of four flats in a 1950s block in Whitchurch Lane, Hartcliffe.Firefighters were called to the scene just before 8pm on Saturday night. They gave first aid to three casualties, believed to be a man, a woman and a four year-old girl. A search and rescue dog was brought in later to check that no-one was left inside.

The explosion resulted in debris being blown up to 70ft away. A parked car was damaged when a children's swing struck the windscreen. No-one else was hurt.

The three neighbouring flats in the block were evacuated. Residents have been told they can't return home amid fears the entire building has been left unsafe.