Evacuation after mystery car blast

The car, thought to be a BMW, exploded on Maple Grove, New Farnley, Leeds at around 2.15pm, showering debris onto neighbouring roof tops and gardens.

No one was hurt in the explosion but firefighters who attended the scene found what is they said were possibly oxyacetylene canisters within the vehicle, resulting in the widespread evacuation.

A 200 metre cordon was set up and roads were closed, with around 100 nearby properties evacuated and their residents taken to the New Farnley Sports and Social Club for shelter.

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This exclusion zone was later reduced but at least 12 households were required to stay out of their homes overnight.

Last night neither the fire service nor police were able to say what caused the blast.

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