Two men and woman have been arrested after a car exploded in a residential area of West Yorkshire.

Emergency services were called to Maple Grove, in the New Farnley area of Leeds, at 1415 BST on Sunday.

Pieces of the car, thought to be a BMW, landed on the roofs of nearby properties.

Oxyacetylene cylinders were found in the vehicle. Police believe the car was stolen and the blast was accidental.

Firefighters were still cooling the cylinders on Monday to avoid a second explosion.

There were no reported injuries, although residents from 11 homes were forced to spend the night in emergency accommodation.

'Like a bomb'
Debris was thrown from the site, and residents reported their properties shook with the force of the blast.

Phil Dean had to leave his home. He said: "There's bits of car all over the place and we've got a bit of car on our conservatory roof apparently.

"One of the neighbours has a car door on his roof. It's like a bomb went off."

Insp Richard Cawkwell said: "We've got some minor damage to local properties, but that can be mended. Nobody was injured and I'm really pleased about that.

"My staff will be in the area to delivering some reassuring messages."

Edgware knife murder appeal by police

Brazil-born Carlos Oliveria, 27, was attacked in Watling Avenue, Edgware, in the early hours of Saturday morning.

Mr Oliveria lived in Clapham in Lambeth, south London.

He died from shock and haemorrhage after being stabbed in the heart.

Police have made no arrests in connection with the murder. An appeal has been made for information.

Detective Inspector Leon James said: “We are keen to identify witnesses who may have seen people entering or leaving the premises.

“We are particularly keen to speak to anyone who may have seen a group of men outside the location.”

 

Murder hunt after hit-and-run death

Police have launched a murder investigation after a man injured in a hit-and-run road crash died in hospital.
Declan Quinn, 37, was knocked down on the Gortgonis Road in Coalisland, Co Tyrone, on Saturday.

A silver Vauxhall Corsa was later found in Drumcairne Forest, Stewartstown.

Police confirmed that following the victim's death, the case was being treated as murder.

A 20-year-old man, arrested in Dungannon, is being questioned by police.

Officers said the man is being held on suspicion of assisting offenders and withholding information.

 

Falkirk police charge five over organised crime

Drugs squad officers have seized heroin with a street value of £11,000 after a series of raids in Falkirk.
Five men - aged between 35 and 48 - were arrested during the operation on Monday and are due to appear in court on Wednesday.

Central Scotland Police said they had searched four properties in Firs Road and Midthorn Crescent.

One of the men has been charged with directing organised crime, a police spokeswoman said.

The other four are accused of involvement in organised crime.

All of the men were also charged with being concerned in the supply of heroin.