Man injured in explosion in Inverness

A man has been treated for minor injuries after a container holding detonators exploded.

Emergency services were called to Thornbush Road, Merkinch, in Inverness, at about 1224 BST.

Three blasts sent a number of detonators flying into nearby gardens. Twenty-three houses were evacuated for a time as a precaution.

Military explosives experts have said the area was safe and people have been allowed to return to their homes.

It was understood the detonators were of a type used by railway and construction companies.

Thornbush Road and Anderson Street were closed for several hours.

Highland Council made Merkinch Community Centre available as a reception area to those who had to leave their homes.

Nineteen homes were evacuated in Thornbush Road and four in MacLennan Gardens.

Northern Constabulary has launched an investigation into the cause of the explosion.