A man has been seriously injured in an explosion at a flat this afternoon in Beaumont Leys.
A man has been injured following a report of an explosion at a flat in Kelbrook Close.
The road and a number of surrounding roads remain closed, and some nearby flats have been evacuated as a precaution.
Police and Leicestershire fire service are at the scene while enquiries continue.
The windows of a ground-floor flat have been blown out and there's glass everywhere.
"A man has been taken away in an ambulance. It seems to be a gas explosion."
The witness said staff from gas supplier Cadent were at the scene.
The company has been contacted for comment.
Leicestershire Fire and Rescue Service was called to Kelbrook Close in Beaumont Leys at around 4.10pm today to reports of smoke seen coming from a flat and an explosion heard.
A spokesperson said: "There is no cause at the moment but we are going back to investigate tomorrow.
An appliance has just left the scene but we will be returning for re inspection for any hotspots."
Initially, all residents from the flats connected to the one involved in the incident were evacuated. The fire service said some have been able to return to their homes.
Those who cannot are being supported by the British Red Cross.
Cadent gas at this stage does not believe the explosion is related to the gas network.
A spokesperson for gas emergency service, Cadent said: “We are at the scene of this incident to support the emergency services and ensure everything related to gas is safe. Whilst it is too early to say what caused the explosion, we do not believe it is related to the gas network.
“Incidents like this serve as an important reminder – to call the national gas emergency service on 0800 111 999*, day or night, if you smell gas.”
Update 🔴
Arrest after man seriously injured in flat explosion.
Leicestershire Police said officers were called to a report of an explosion in Kelbrook Close, in Beaumont Leys, at 16:07 today.
A man in the property sustained serious injuries and has been taken to hospital.
Police said an investigation was under way and a 32-year-old man had been arrested on suspicion of arson with intent to endanger life.
Update 🔴 25/01/24 11:00
Man arrested yesterday has been de-arrested
Enquiries are continuing in Kelbrook Close Flat explosion Leicester this morning.
Officers received a call at 4.07pm yesterday (Wednesday 24 January) following a report of an explosion at a flat.
A man within the property sustained serious injuries and he remains in hospital receiving treatment.
A 32-year-old man who was arrested on suspicion of arson with intent to endanger life has since been de-arrested.
Kelbrook Close remains closed as police and Leicestershire Fire and Rescue continue to examine the scene.
Update 🔴 25/01/24 13:00
Residents will be able to move back in soon says The City Council.
A Leicester city council spokesperson said: “We’ve been at the site of yesterday’s explosion to help affected residents.
“The building is structurally safe.
“Some asbestos had fallen from the ceilings in the communal areas, which our contractors are due to clear up today (Thursday).
“Once this is complete, households will be able to move back in.
“One resident who lives in a downstairs flat which was not affected has already been able to return.
“We have helped four households into hotels, and a further two households are staying with friends and family.
“One resident from the flat where the explosion occurred is currently in hospital.”
Last Update 25/01/24 13.00