Four die in Leicester explosion

LONDON, Feb 26 (BBC): Four people have died in an explosion at a shop in Leicester.

Residents said they heard "a big thud, like an earthquake" at the time of the blast in Hinckley Road at about 19:00 GMT on Sunday.

Four other people remain in hospital, one with serious injuries, the force said.

Supt Shane O'Neill said police believe there may be more people unaccounted for and rescue efforts were continuing on Monday.

At this stage the explosion is not being linked to terrorism, he added. The building consisted of a shop premises on the ground level and a two-storey flat above.

Witnesses said the shop was formerly a Londis but recently became a Polish supermarket. Matt Cane, group manager at Leicestershire Fire and Rescue Service, said the bodies of the four people were found during the search of the building.

He added fire crew were still working to find survivors who may be trapped in "voids" inside the collapsed building.