Four dead in Leicester blast as rescue race continues
Tragedy struck Leicester last night when a devastating explosion ripped through a building on Hinckley Road, killing four people.
Major incident declared after 7pm blast
Leicestershire Police rushed to the scene following reports of a powerful blast at around 7pm. Officers immediately declared a major incident as rescue teams worked against the clock.
Four more injured, one critically
Emergency crews have hospitalised four more victims, with one in serious condition. Superintendent Shane O’Neill warned that more people could still be unaccounted for, as desperate search operations continue.
‘Pancake collapse’ flattens shop and flats above
Fire service spokespeople described the building’s collapse as a “pancake collapse”. The property housed a shop on the ground floor and a two-storey flat above.
Locals revealed the shop was formerly a Londis but recently reopened as a Polish supermarket.
Police rule out terror link for now
Officers confirmed there is no current evidence to suggest terrorism was involved. The investigation remains ongoing.