BIRMINGHAM – Police and emergency crew have been scrambled to the RepertoryTheatre, on Birmingham’s Broad Street, to reports of an explosion at around8.20pm tonight, Daily Star has reported.
Dozens of police cars have been seen racing towards the area amid multipleeyewitness reports of a “huge bang” or “explosion noise”.
The explosion happened in the basement of the Repertory Theatre, which hasbeen evacuated, West Midlands Police said.
Panicked witnesses said there is “police everywhere” and Broad Street – anightlife hotspot in the heart of Birmingham, West Midlands – andsurrounding roads have reportedly been cordoned off.
One bystander wrote: “MASSIVE bang just gone off in Birmingham, it made mejump and I am in JQ. 10 police cars gone up the Queensway… #birmingham.”
Another posted: “Just heard a massive explosion-sounding noise inBirmingham City centre while walking through Brindley place. What on earthis happening?”
West Midlands Police said in a statement: “All roads around @BirminghamRep& @LibraryofBham are closed following an explosion in a staff only area ofthe theatre.
“Initial indications are that this was a technical fault. No casualties arereported.
“There is a large presence by all emergency services. Please stay away.”