POLICE and fire crews are investigating the cause of a gas explosion in Grays where several vehicles were damaged.

Officers were called to an address in Southend Road shortly before 2.25pm on Saturday (February 5).

Firefighters from Grays and Orsett were also in attendance, confirming the gas explosion was in a commercial premises.

There was damage to the windows and nearby cars.

The fire service requested the attendance of the gas company and worked with colleagues at Essex Police.

An investigation into the cause is being carried out.

No one is believed to have been injured and there is not thought to be any structural damage to the building.

Southend Road was closed in both directions for several hours, reopening just before 8pm.

Follow our live updates on the ongoing incident here.Â