At least five people are injured as explosion rips through block of flats in Skelmersdale 

Five people are being treated for injuries after four fire engines were called to an explosion which tore through flats in Skelmersdale, Lancashire. 

Three people are said to be in the hospital – one with a potential head injury which isn’t believed to be life threatening.

The other two are understood to have precautionary checks, BBC North West reports.

A number of flats appear to be affected by the explosion. 

The Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service, which responded to the incident just after 6pm, says on its website: ‘Four fire engines from Skelmersdale, Ormskirk and Bamber Bridge have been called to an explosion in a property on Tanfields, Skelmersdale.

Five people are being treated for injuries after four fire engines were called to an explosion which tore through flats in Skelmersdale, Lancashire

Three people are said to be in the hospital – one with a potential head injury which isn’t believed to be life threatening

The other two are understood to have precautionary checks, BBC North West reports. Pictured, emergency services at the scene

‘Firefighters are working with Lancashire Police and North West Ambulance Service to make the scene safe and treat those people who have been affected by the explosion.

‘Public are advised to keep clear of the area whilst the emergency services deal with the incident.’

Fire crews, police and paramedics are at the scene of a large building explosion in Skelmersdale

A number of flats are thought to be affected by the explosion. Emergency services were called shortly after 6pm to the scene on Tanfields

Lancashire Fire posted an update on their website to say that crews were at the scene and are working to make it safe

Five people are being treated for injuries after four fire engines were called to reports of an explosion in Skelmersdale, Lancashire. Pictured, a general view of Tanfield, Skelmersdale

The extents of the injuries are not yet known, BBC Lancashire reports, but emergency services are at the scene

A neighbours living on Tanfield has also described feeling her ‘house shake’.

One woman told the Liverpool Echo: ‘It’s in front of mine, felt my whole house shake.’

Another witness told the outlet that they saw an air ambulance landing nearby. 

The West Lancashire Borough Council said in a Twitter statement: ‘We are aware of an incident at Tanfields, Skelmersdale. Council staff are at the scene and are assisting the emergency services.’