Fire crews investigate Liverpool blast

Police and fire crews are investigating an explosion at a house in Liverpool.

No-one lives at the address in Bootle but the house was severely damaged by fire after the blast at 20.45 on Thursday evening.

Detectives say they do not know what caused the explosion on Park Lane West but think a man ran from the scene either on fire or carrying something that was in flames.

Road closures were put in place while the house, which was structurally unsafe, was made secure but those roads are now open again.

Detective Inspector David Keegan said:

"The investigation is at an early stage and we are appealing for anyone who may have seen a man who was on fire or carrying something on fire running along Park Lane West towards Elton Avenue at around 8.45pm to call us.

"We are also asking for anyone who may know anything about the fire or encountered someone with burn injuries who hasn't sought medical help to let us know."