Worshippers were believed to be trapped inside a blazing Hare Krishna temple after an explosion today, the fire and rescue service said.

A third of the building in Leicester was destroyed by the blast, the cause of which has not yet been established.

Firefighters were battling the flames and search and rescue dogs were requested to help find anyone in the rubble, Leicestershire Fire and Rescue Service said.

A third of the building was destroyed by the explosion and smoke could be seen billowing into the sky from the charred building.

Its burnt out shell could be seen from the roadside, with the flames still burning, as firefighters worked outside.