A primary school has been evacuated following a huge explosion at a home in Bury, Greater Manchester.
The incident has left a woman in her 70s hospitalised with serious injuries.
Emergency services were called to Nelson Street after receiving reports of a "fireball" explosion.
Nearby St Luke's Primary School has been evacuated with a cordon in place.
A primary school has been evacuated following a huge explosion at a home in Bury, Greater ManchesterFacebookEyewitnesses say the property had been badly damaged in the explosion, while houses on either side have also suffered from the blow.
A spokesman for gas company Cadent said it was "too early to say" what caused the blast, and urged people "to avoid speculating".
A Greater Manchester Police spokesperson said: "Emergency services are currently responding to reports of an explosion at a property on Nelson Street in the Fishpool area of Bury.
"At this stage, a woman in her 70s has been taken to hospital with serious injuries. A 200m cordon is in place around the property and neighbouring homes. Local residents and the community will be informed if they need to take any further action."
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Local Councillor Tamoor Tariq, who represents Redvales Ward, has shared an update on social media.
He wrote: "Heartbreaking to share there has been a gas explosion in the last few minutes right across from my house.
"I understand everyone has been taken into a place of safety and emergency services are doing all possible to deal with this awful situation.
"St Luke's primary have also evacuated children, as they are just yards away. I remain out of the country due to a family member being critical, but I am keeping in touch with all relevant people/authorities."
St Luke's CE Primary School, Bury has been evacuated following an explosion at a nearby home Google mapsGreater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service have said: "Multiple fire engines from across Greater Manchester along with the technical response unit from Ashton Fire Station are currently in attendance at an incident involving terraced houses on Nelson Street in Bury.
"Firefighters are working alongside Greater Manchester Police and North West Ambulance Service and residents are asked to avoid the area at this time."
A 200-metre cordon remains in place, with Gigg Lane in Fishpool closed between Horne Street and Market Street.
