Three people have been taken to hospital following an explosion at a housing estate in the Scottish town of Ayr.
Pictures circulating on social media showed at least one house had been badly damaged, with debris spread across the street.
A Police Scotland spokesperson said: “We received a report of an explosion at a property on Gorse Park in Ayr shortly after 7.10pm on Monday, 18 October.
“Emergency services are currently at the scene.”
An air ambulance, six ambulances and three specialist operations vehicles attended the scene alongside the police and the fire brigade.
“Three patients were transported by road to Crosshouse hospital,” South Ambulance Service said in a statement.
It is understood that a number of residents have been evacuated from houses in the Kincaidston area, with some being given shelter at the nearby Queen Margaret Academy.
The Kincaidston Community Centre also said it was open for those who needed help.
Some Twitter users said they heard the explosion from miles away.
Police have advised people to avoid the area.
A Scottish Fire and Rescue Service spokeswoman said: “We were alerted at 7.11pm on Monday, 18 October to reports of a dwelling fire in Gorse Park, Ayr.
“Operations control mobilised nine appliances and specialist resources to the scene and firefighters are working to extinguish the fire.
“Crews currently remain in attendance and are assisting emergency service partners.”
One Twitter user said they were walking their dog when they heard “the loudest bang ever” just after 7pm.
Another said that local churches and businesses are “opening their doors to those who have been evacuated”.
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