Chester Market: Suspected gas blast leaves three injured

Chester Market and surrounding buildings have been evacuated

Three people have sustained serious burns in a suspected gas explosion at a venue in Chester.

The injured were taken to hospital following the incident in the Chester Market development on Hunter Street shortly before 18:30 BST, Cheshire Police said.

The market and nearby buildings have been evacuated and road closures are in place as the scene is being made safe.

Engineers have isolated electricity and gas to the area.

Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service said three fire engines were at the scene and a building inspector was due to attend.

The venue had been due to hold a performance and award ceremony involving the High Sheriff of Cheshire, Jeannie France-Hayhust.

She thanked the Storyhouse theatre for "hosting us after a dramatic explosion" and tweeted: "Our thoughts are with all affected. Huge thanks to blue light services."

Some traders have announced they will not be opening on Thursday

The charity Share Chester, which supports homeless people and refugees, tweeted that many of its volunteers were present at the time and about to receive an award.

It said its volunteers were "all fine" and sent its "thoughts and prayers to those who were injured".

Chester Market is the cornerstone of the city's £72m Northgate development and opened in November after 20 years in the planning.

As well as about 40 stalls, the venue - which advertises itself as a "traditional-modern market" - includes a stage and screen performance space with seating for about 400 people.

Cheshire West and Chester Council said the New Market car park was closed and was unlikely to re-open until Thursday, although people with cars inside could retrieve them.

Some traders have announced they will not be opening on Thursday.

Chester Market Fishmongers tweeted: "So we have decided we can't open tomorrow. With respect to current situation and possible investigations. Thoughts and prayers for those injured."

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