Man dies in flats explosion

A man has died and 20 people have been evacuated from their homes after an explosion at a flats complex, police said.

Officers are at the scene of the explosion, which happened in a building at Lydstep Crescent, off Western Avenue, Cardiff, south Wales, at 12.42 pm.

A man, who has not been named, died at the scene.

Police urged people who were due to vote at a nearby polling station not to change their plans, as it was unaffected.

Early indications were that the explosion was not suspicious, South Wales Police said.

"Around 20 people have been evacuated from the area," a police spokesman added.

"Police are working closely with the fire service and the local authority to look after those evacuated and to put in place measures to protect the scene in the event of an investigation."

Chief Superintendent Bob Tooby, Divisional Commander for Cardiff, said, "This is a serious incident which has required a number of people to be moved from the area.

"However, it is important that anyone planning to vote at the Gabalfa polling station continues to do so.

"The polling station and the surrounding area is completely unaffected by the fire."

A multi-agency incident room has been set up in Cardiff.

Anyone concerned about friends or relatives or with any information about the cause of the fire can call 02920 338460.