Three people have been taken to hospital following a gas explosion at a flat in Plymouth, police have said.

Police, fire and ambulance were called to the property in Hawkinge Gardens after an explosion was reported just before 3am today.

Substantial damage had been caused to the building, with debris thrown into the garden and surrounding area, a Devon and Cornwall police spokesman said.

An 18-year-old man has been taken to Derriford Hospital where he is being treated for minor burns.

The flat's other two occupants, a 23-year-old man and a 19-year-old girl, were also treated for minor burns and shock in hospital but have since been released.

Occupants of the building's ground floor flat were evacuated and housed in temporary overnight accommodation by Plymouth City Council.

Officials from the gas company Transco have carried out investigations at the scene. Health and Safety Executive inspectors are to arrive later today.

The area around the property has been cordoned off. The explosion is not being treated as suspicious, the police spokesman said.

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