WORSHIPPERS TRAPPED

Worshippers were believed to be trapped inside a blazing Hare Krishna temple after an explosion today, the fire and rescue service said.

A third of the building in Leicester was destroyed by the blast, the cause of which has not yet been established.

Firefighters were battling the flames and search and rescue dogs were requested to help find anyone in the rubble, Leicestershire Fire and Rescue Service said.

A number of people were believed to be inside the temple in Thoresby Street at the time of the explosion, just before 2.40pm.

One eyewitness described the shock suffered by those caught up in the incident.

Fatima Khatri told the BBC: "Everyone is really worried. There's a lady crying outside, there's a really injured gentleman and people are really shaken.

"It's really upsetting to see this happen."

Firefighters were using thermal imaging cameras to look for worshippers inside the building, which was believed to be unstable, a fire and rescue service spokeswoman said.

Worshipper Guaranga Sundara Das said he was not there at the time but had spoken to a friend at the scene who said he believed there had been no serious injuries.

He told Sky News: "He told me there was an apparent gas leak and an explosion following it, with windows shattered and glass flying out."