6 shops near Cambridge’s Grafton Centre were evacuated on Friday, after an underground explosion. Firefighters evacuated the street after police became concerned about a potential second explosion.

PC Malcolm Wood said at the scene, "There was an explosion and a lot of smoke. It was underground and there is a similar place nearby where the same work was done recently and we have blocked it off in case there is a second explosion”.

There were no reported injuries and the fire services praised the public for their cooperation, saying they “have been fantastic and we have been helped by the police and security staff from the Grafton Centre to keep people away from the area”.

The cause of the blast is still unclear. Sargeant Marc Rycarte said “The explosion was underground and it is believed to have been caused by electrics or gas. We have closed the area for the public’s safety and are waiting for the services to come and investigate the cause.”

However the Cambridge Fire Station says it does not believe it was gas and are awaiting the results of investigations from the Cambridge water and electricity companies before they lift the cordon.