Evacuations in Liverpool city centre after car crash causes gas leak

A car has crashed into a restaurant in Liverpool city centre causing road closures due to a gas leak.

The incident happened at about 12:30 GMT on North John Street when a Peugeot car hit the window of Tiger Rock Restaurant, Merseyside Police said.

The driver stayed at the scene and there is no indication that this was a deliberate act, the force said.

Three people who had been in the restaurant at the time of the crash were assessed for minor injuries, Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service said.

A spokesman said the impact caused a gas leak so a cordon has been put in place by firefighters and the police, with a structural engineer and a gas engineer due to attend.

Neighbouring buildings have been evacuated as a precaution and road closures are in place at the junction of Dale Street and North John Street, and also the junction of North John Street and Lord Street.

Buses have also been temporarily diverted with all Wirral Metro services terminating at Whitechapel, and starting their return journey from Sir Thomas Street.