SIX fire engines and around 40 crew attended a suspected gas explosion in Western Road, Southall, this afternoon (30).

The first floor and roof of a two-storey building, with a shop and flats above, suffered structural damage when the building partially collapsed.

Part of the first floor and roof was damaged by a fire which followed the blast.

Two men and a woman left the building before firefighters arrived and were taken to hospital.

Neighbouring properties were evacuated as a precaution and road closures were put in place. 

Station Commander Simon Horn, who was at the scene, said: "Crews were joined by our Urban Search and Rescue team, using specialist equipment to carry out a systematic search of the property. They were able to confirm that everyone has been accounted for.

"A cordon of around 50 metres will remain in place and people are asked to avoid the area."

The brigade was called at 1.29 and the incident was under control by 4.05. Crews from Southall, Feltham and surrounding stations attended.

The cause is being investigated.