22 March 2023 , 22:21
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Two people have been rushed to hospital after an 'explosion' rocked homes close to a school.
People were evacuated when emergency services were called to the Abbots Way area of Winsford, Cheshire, earlier today to battle the fire tearing through a house and two flats.
Firefighters, police and paramedics attended and residents living nearby were evacuated, with some taken to shelter at a nearby youth centre.
Pictures and videos posted on social media showed large amounts of smoke in the area while a number of bangs and small explosions could be heard in the footage.
North West Ambulance Service confirmed six casualties were treated.
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Of those four were 'walking wounded' and two were taken to hospital, Cheshire Live reported.
Several people, and two dogs, were evacuated (Winsford Police)Police confirmed four had been left with injuries but none of them were serious.
A spokesman for Cheshire Constabulary said: "At around 1.40pm today, Wednesday, March 22, emergency services were called to reports of a large fire at an address on Abbotts Way, Winsford.
“Police and fire attended the scene and on arrival the property was well alight.
"Firefighters are working hard to tackle the fire and a number of roads in the area are closed, these include Abbotts Way, Nixon Drive and Ashton Avenue.
"A number of properties in the area have been evacuated and a temporary shelter has been set up at the New Images Youth Centre for residents affected.
"Four people have been injured as a result of the incident, their injuries are not believed to be life threatening.
Police are continuing to probe the explosion (Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service)“The cause of the fire is unknown at this stage."
Meanwhile, nearby school Winsford Academy reported it had been informed of a 'recent explosion close to its grounds'.
They were advised not to evacuate the building but some pupils 'found the situation upsetting'.
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A school statement on social media, posted at around 2.30pm, said: "We have been informed of a recent explosion close to the school grounds.
“I would just like to confirm that all of our children are safe, in lessons and are well.
"Some students have found the situation upsetting, however, we have provided support for those individuals.
“We have been advised not to evacuate the building and therefore, we will be finishing at our usual time."