These astonishing pictures show the devastation wrought by a gas explosion which ripped through a home in Birstall this morning.

Three people have been taken to hospital, two by air ambulance, as a result of the blast. At least one of the casualties is seriously injured.

The Mercury is at the scene and covering the story live.

The photographs, taken by Mercury reporter Tom Mack, reveal the destructive power of the blast.

(Image: Tom Mack)

A pile of rubble can be seen where a home stood before 7.30am today, its innards strewn about.

(Image: Tom Mack)

Part of a bedroom, believed to be that of the neighbouring property, is visible, after a party wall was ripped away in the blast.

(Image: Tom Mack)

Another picture shows the effects of the blast on houses nearby, with curtains flapping in the breeze where windows have been blasted out, and doors ripped off their hinges.

Images taken by others at the scene show the large number of emergency personnel at the scene, as they make the area safe and try to establish exactly what caused the explosion.

(Image: Ben Birchall/PA Wire)

Three people are confirmed to have been injured in the blast, the exact cause of which is still to be determined. However, Leicestershire Fire and Rescue Service has said it is attending a gas explosion.

Two of the casualties have been taken to hospital by air ambulance, one to a major trauma unit.