Gas explosion at block of flats

50 people have been evacuated following an explosion in Cheshire this morning - Thursday 24 March 2011.

Police were called to Richard Close, Castlefields in Runcorn at 5.25am to a report of an explosion at a block of flats and a smell of gas.

No one has been injured and a joint investigation is currently underway into the cause of the explosion

Around 50 people have been evacuated to a local community centre.

No roads are currently closed.