Explosion rocks British seaside neighbourhood as Britons told to 'avoid the area'

The incident took place at around 5.45am this morning, where between 50 to 70 homes and businesses in the immediate vicinity of the explosion have since been evacuated.

A spokesman for North Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service said: "Firefighters are working alongside the ambulance service, police and the gas board, at the scene.

“Members of the public are asked to avoid the area while emergency services continue to deal with the incident.”

Fire crews from Scarborough, Sherburn, Robin Hoods Bay and a specialist incident support unit responded to the scene in the early hours.

Local media reports indicate Cambridge Street and Victoria Road have been closed for public access while emergency reponders tackle the incident.

Residents reported waking to a "loud boom", with many taking to the street to get a glimpse of what had happened.

One resident told This Is The Coast: "All the neighbours ran outside, and we realised the front door and the sitting room window was all blown up.

"We rang the emergency services - my house had the walls coming down and big cracks, I don't know when I'll be able to back into the house and I'm outside in my pajamas, I'm so cold."

The woman described the gas explosion occurring downstairs in a neighbouring property, and confirmed she had witnessed the residents - a brother and sister- safely evacuating, with no injuries reported at this time.

A nearby venue, The Street, has offered to house vacated locals, offering warmth, food and water whilst they wait to return to their homes.

North Yorkshire Police have confirmed officers worked with firefighters to evacuate homes and echoed the message urging the public to keep away from the area.

A statement from the force said: "Our officers attended the location immediately, working alongside North Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service to evacuate local residents, and close roads in the area, to keep people safe.

"Emergency services remain at the scene, and we ask members of the public to avoid the area at this time."

Scarborough and Whitby MP Alison Hume has reiterated the message, and thanked the Street community centre in Lower Clark Street.

She said: "Thank you to the emergency services and other key workers for attending this morning's incident on Cambridge Street.

"I ask members of the public to stay away from the area so those on the scene can do their jobs.

"I also want to thank staff at the Street for offering refreshments and shelter to evacuated residents."