An explosion and fire have badly damaged a Leicester temple.

Fire crews were searching the building this afternoon after initially fearing that people could be trapped.

Fire crews were called out at 2.40pm by members of the public who reported hearing an explosion and seeing a fire at a Hare Krishna temple in Thoresby Street, in Evington.

Leicestershire fire spokeswoman Amanda Pike said fire crews were still fighting the blaze at 4pm.

She said: "They have managed to complete a thorough search of the outside of the building, looking for casualties using thermal imaging cameras."

It is understood that about one-third of the temple had collapsed.

Worshippers initially believed to be trapped had all been accounted for, the fire and rescue service said.

The cause of the blast has not yet been established.

A number of roads have been cordoned off and ambulances attended the scene.