AN “UNDERGROUND explosion” has closed a busy city centre leaving pavement damaged and police warning people to stay away.
Pavements in Durham city centre were damaged but there were no reports of any injuries following the blast at around 12.30pm on Friday.
A cordon has been put in place between Framwellgate Bridge and North Road and people have been asked to stay away.
A Durham Police spokesman said: “Police were called to Durham City shortly after 12.30pm today following what appears to be an underground explosion.
“Pavements were damaged during the incident in North Road but there are no reports of any injuries.
“A cordon is currently in place between Framwellgate Bridge and North Road and shoppers are asked to avoid the area.”
Officers and firefighters are currently at the scene.
A County Durham and Darlington Fire and Rescue Service spokesperson said: “We were called at 12.34pm today to reports of a small explosion under the pavement on North Road in Durham city centre.
“Crews from Durham Fire Station are currently at the scene and cordoned off the area until the gas and electric board arrive.”
Durham is home to about 50,000 people and is most famous for its grand 900 year old cathedral.
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