Chester Market was evacuated after a gas explosion resulted in three people being rushed to hospital with severe burns.
Emergency services rushed to Chester Market development in the city centre tonight, Wednesday, March 29 following reports of a gas explosion. A spokesperson for Cheshire Police confirmed emergency services arrived at Hunter Street shortly after 7.15pm.
The spokesperson said: "Emergency services are responding to what is thought to be a gas explosion at a premises within the Chester Market development on Hunter Street. Three people have sustained serious burn injuries.
READ MORE: Man who discovered James Bulger's body dies in police custody
"They have been passed to the care of paramedics and are on the way to hospital. An evacuation of the Market and surrounding buildings has been undertaken and road and pavement closures are currently in place in the nearby streets while the scene is made safe."
Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service had earlier confirmed they had responded to a "small gas explosion" inside a commercial premises inside the market. A spokesperson for the fire service added: "Three casualties have sustained serious burn injuries and have been taken to hospital in the care of paramedics.
"A cordon has been put in place and surrounding buildings evacuated as a precaution." A recent update at 7.30pm said engineers had isolated electricity and gas to the area.
A large emergency services response remains in place in Chester city centre and a number of roads are showing significant delays.
We'll be bringing you the latest updates on this breaking news story.
For the latest news and breaking news visit liverpoolecho.co.uk/news
Get all the big headlines, pictures, analysis, opinion and video on the stories that matter to you by signing up to our daily and breaking newsletter. Sign up to our breaking news newsletter here.
Follow us on Twitter @LivECHONews - the official Liverpool ECHO Twitter account - real news in real time.
We're also on Facebook/theliverpoolecho - your must-see news, features, videos and pictures throughout the day from the Liverpool ECHO.
READ NEXT:
Jury sent out to decide fate of Thomas Cashman
Man who discovered James Bulger's body dies in police custody
Woman dies after falling from city centre car park
Paul O'Grady's final Instagram post says everything about TV star
Couple on £99 Wowcher Mystery Holiday abandon hotel after one hour
