Two young children aged three and five have been rushed to hospital in a critical condition after a huge house fire in Preston.
Police and fire crews rushed to a terraced home where a fire broke out last night.
A woman in her 20s and two children were taken to hospital in a critical condition, police confirmed.
Images from the scene shows charred walls, smashed windows and smoke damage from the blaze.
The incident was described as an 'explosion' by the leader of Preston City Council, with police saying it is currently unexplained.
A spokesperson for Lancashire Police told LancsLive: "We were called at around 8pm yesterday to reports of a fire at an address on Coronation Crescent, Preston.
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"Three people – a woman aged in her 20s and two children aged three and five – have been taken to hospital in a critical condition.
"Their next of kin have been informed and are being supported by specially trained officers.
"The incident is currently being treated as unexplained. A cordon is in place around the address and we are asking people to avoid the area if possible.
"Anybody with information is asked to call 101, quoting log 1305 of April 8."
Matthew Brown, leader of Preston City Council, tweeted in the aftermath of the incident: "Really concerning to hear about the explosion at a property in Avenham this evening.
"Thoughts and prayers with all those affected by what looks like an extremely serious incident."
Four fire engines from Preston, Penwortham, Bamber Bridge, and Hyndburn were sent to the area yesterday around 7:52pm.
Around 8:50pm, the fire was put out but crews remained on scene to dampen down.
