Huge explosion reportedly destroys building in Merseyside, England

A massive explosion is believed to have destroyed at least two buildings in New Ferry, Merseyside in the UK.

The explosion happened at 9.15pm local time and is believed to have flattened a Chinese restaurant and dance studio, local media reported. 

Emergency services were called to the scene in response to a suspected gas leak.

A number of people who were dining at the Chinese restaurant are believed to have been injured.

Images circulating on Twitter show bricks and rubble strewn across the street, surrounded by a large police and ambulance presence.

"It was like a warzone, I couldn’t believe it," one person who was near the blast told the  told the .