A woman has been found dead after a house explosion which destroyed one property and damaged others in Birmingham.
Emergency services descended on the scene in Kingstanding just after 8.30pm on Sunday with nearby residents evacuated after the devastating explosion which could be heard from miles around.
In a tragic update this morning, the West Midlands Fire Service tweeted: "We’re very sad to confirm that a woman has been found dead at the scene of last night's explosion in #Kingstanding.
"Our thoughts and sympathies are with everyone affected."
Last night it was confirmed a man also suffered life-threatening injuries in the explosion.
West Midlands Ambulance Service said the patient "suffered very serious injuries" and was taken to Queen Elizabeth Hospital Birmingham.
Four further men were injured but discharged at the scene.
A statement from the fire service last night said: "At 20:38 fire crews responded to multiple reports of an explosion on Dulwich Lane, Kingstanding.
"The explosion, the cause of which is unknown at this time, has destroyed one property and caused damage to other properties and vehicles nearby.
"The number of casualties or injuries is not confirmed at this time. We are working hard with colleagues from West Midlands Police, West Midlands Ambulance, Cadent Gas and National Grid to manage this incident.
"Dulwich Road is closed and is expected to be for some time. People are urged to avoid the area to allow the emergency services to do their work.
"West Midlands Police are managing evacuations in the area and we urge those local to the incident to follow the instructions of emergency service officers at the scene."
Fire crews remained at the scene into Monday morning and are expected to remain on scene today.
West Midlands Police said the cause of the blast remains unknown.
People as far away as Sutton Coldfield reportedly heard the explosion.
Neighbour Callum Attwood was praised as a "hero" after he reportedly ran into the burning building to rescue someone.
His cousin Reece wrote on Twitter: "What happened in Kingstanding tonight is devastating... my cousin saved a life! He's a hero. I'm so proud of him.
"Get this spread round Twitter!! His actions, Braveness and courage to do what someone else wouldn't do and put his own life at risk to save a life! Hero CALLUM ATTWOOD."
On Facebook, Kiera Mae Parkinson added Callum had chest pains after inhaling smoke.
A reporter for BirminghamLive at the scene said he was hearing stories of "community spirit", with neighbours from outside the cordon taking in those who had to leave their homes.
One woman living nearby described hearing a huge explosion as she was putting her bins out.
Another neighbour said: "I had just gone into the toilet downstairs and shut the door. The explosion happened as I shut the door.
"Living rooms windows have shattered. There was glass everywhere.
"The house shook and I fell on the floor, I thought it was an earthquake. I heard a man shout help."
