Dozens of people were injured when a building was flattened in a suspected gas explosion.
Several buildings, including a dance studio, collapsed in New Ferry on the Wirral at about 9.15pm on Saturday following the huge blast.
People reported hearing the blast right across the Wirral peninsula and as far afield as Flintshire.
Thirty-four people were injured, two seriously, in the blast which left debris scattered along the street and forced the evacuation of people from the surrounding area to a nearby church.
Pictures by Simon Warburton / NWN Media
The two most seriously injured casualties are being cared for at Aintree Hospital.
A total of 14 people were taken by ambulance to the Countess of Chester Hospital to receive treatment.
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