THE National Grid investigated ‘several reports’ of gas smell before the explosion in New Ferry last night.

A statement released by the National Grid has said that emergency engineers investigated several reports and found no indication of a gas leak.

The statement read: “The cause of this explosion is still under investigation and it is too early to speculate on what may have caused it.

“National grid Gas Distribution Emergency Engineers were called at 9.15pm on Saturday, March 25, to a report of an explosion in Boundary Road.

“We remain on site today (Sunday March 26) and are working with the emergency services and local authority to make the scene safe and to identify what caused the incident.

“The gas supply to the main property involved has been isolated. We are checking our local gas mains network and so far there has been no indication of any faults on it.

“We were called to a report of a smell in Bebington Road on Friday evening (March 24) which we investigated and no trace of gas was found.

“We also received several other reports of a smell from across the wider area and our emergency engineers investigated all these reports and found no indication of a gas leak.

“There are no indications that any of these reports were connected to yesterday’s explosion. If people think they can smell gas they should call 0800 111 999.

“Our thoughts are with the injured and we wish them prompt recovery.”