Fears of casualties as houses are destroyed in huge explosion in Ayrshire 

A huge explosion at a house in Ayr that could be heard for miles has sparked a major incident and fears of casualties. 

Emergency services raced to Gorse Park at around 7.10pm today following the blast – which took place in the southern part of the town, close to the busy A77.

Images uploaded online show debris scattered on the street in the residential Kincaidston area, and social media users said the explosion could be heard for miles around.

Social media users said the explosion could be heard for miles around

Police have advised people to avoid the area as around 20 vehicles and three ambulances deal with the situation. 

The area around Kincaidston Drive is being cordoned off by police.

The Ayrshire Police Twitter account said: ‘We are currently in attendance following a report of an explosion at a property on Gorse Park in Ayr shortly after 7.10pm on Monday, 18 October.

‘Emergency services are currently at the scene and we would advise people to avoid the area at the present time.’   

The area around Kincaidston Drive is being cordoned off by police

Emergency services attend a gas explosion at a house on Gorse Park, Ayr

Emergency services attend a gas explosion at a house on Gorse Park, Ayr

A Scottish Fire and Rescue Service spokeswoman said: ‘We were alerted at 7.11pm on Monday, October 18 to reports of a dwelling fire in Gorse Park, Ayr.

‘Operations control mobilised nine appliances and specialist resources to the scene and firefighters are working to extinguish the fire.

‘Crews currently remain in attendance and are assisting emergency service partners.’