News

Six children were taken to the William Harvey Hospital in Ashford following a suspected gas explosion at an empty block of flats in Folkestone today (5 July).

Emergency services at the scene of the explosion - Picture: Max Hess

The victims who are thought to be in their early teens or younger, were at a building in Marine Parade when the explosion occurred at around 5.45pm.

Police said a 13-year-old boy suffered burns in the blast but his injuries were not life-threatening.

A Kent Police spokesman said officers are treating the incident as suspicious.

He added: "Six children, all thought to be young teenagers or pre-teens, were taken to the William Harvey Hospital in Ashford, mainly suffering from superficial wounds.

"Police investigating this incident will be speaking to the children about the explosion."

Kent Fire and Rescue Service said the blast caused 80% damage to three floors of the five-storey building.