Cordon in place after 'underground explosion'

Emergency services in a city centre with some smokeImage source, PA Media
Image caption,

A cordon has been put in place between Framwellgate Bridge and North Road

  • Published

Police and fire crews are at the scene of an "underground explosion" in a city centre.

It happened just after 12:30 BST on Friday under a pavement in North Road, Durham, the fire service said.

Durham Police said no injuries had been reported and asked people to avoid the area.

A cordon is in place between Framwellgate Bridge and North Road, with the gas and electric board also expected to arrive.

A spokesperson for County Durham and Darlington Fire and Rescue Service said it was called at 12.34 BST to "reports of a small explosion under the pavement on North Road in Durham city centre".

"Crews from Durham Fire Station are currently at the scene and have cordoned off the area until the gas and electric board arrive," they added.

Durham Police said pavements were damaged during the incident and officers and firefighters remained at the scene, making the area safe.

The North East Ambulance Service said it had dispatched a rapid response paramedic and duty manager to the incident, but they were stood down.

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