Dozens of residents had to evacuate when a suspected gas explosion struck on Merseyside Danny Lawson/PAResidents near a row of shops destroyed in a explosion had reported a possible gas leak the previous day, it has emerged. The National Grid said it found no evidence of a leak when it was called to the Wirral, Merseyside, on Friday night. Within 24 hours a blast had destroyed several buildings, hospitalised 34 people and forced more than 100 from their homes. Two people are seriously hurt and dozens spent the night in a church after being evacuated. Residents have been told they are unlikely to return home for days.

Source: The Times March 26, 2017 10:52 UTC