Four killed in Leicester explosion

Four people have died after an explosion at a property in Leicester, UK police confirmed.

Another four people remain in hospital following Sunday night's incident, one with serious injuries.

Fire crews, paramedics and police responded to reports of an explosion at the property on Hinckley Road.

Police believe there may still be people unaccounted for following the explosion.

Superintendent Shane O'Neill said: "There are four confirmed fatalities at this stage and a number of people still undergoing treatment in hospital.

"The building consisted of a shop premises on the ground level and a two-storey flat above it.

"We believe there may be people who have not yet been accounted for and rescue efforts continue in order to locate any further casualties.

"Once the site is deemed to be safe, a joint investigation with Leicestershire Fire and Rescue Service will begin looking into the circumstances surrounding the incident, which at this stage is not being linked to terrorism."

Pictures and videos showed flames leaping into the sky from the site, with rubble strewn across the street.

"We heard this massive explosion, the shop window six doors away vibrated and we thought it can't be a car accident, it didn't sound like a crash," local resident Harrish Patni told Sky News. "We came outside and there was a big cloud of smoke, bricks all across the road."

Local media reported that the shop was believed to be a Polish grocery store.