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Ten rescued after shop explosion

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FIREFIGHTERS rescued ten people who were trapped in flats above a Bilton shop which exploded and set fire to their building.

Residents living above the All in One store on Freemantle Road had to be pulled from their homes by firefighters using ladders and ropes after the explosion yesterday morning (Thursday), shortly before 12.45am.

The blast blocked off the main fire exit and completely blew out two walls at the shop - causing severe damage and putting it at risk of collapse - according to a spokeswoman for Warwickshire Fire and Rescue Service.

There were no injuries and firefighters managed to put out the blaze quickly but spent several hours on the scene making sure the area was safe.

Fire investigation officer, Jon Dixon, said: "It is a miracle really that no-one was injured in the blast.

"A full investigation into the cause of the explosion is now being carried out by our fire investigation team in partnership with the county surveyors and police scenes of crime officers."

Volunteers from the British Red Cross and the Fire Emergency Support Service looked after the residents who had been saved from their flats.

The cause of the blast is not yet known.

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