Birmingham Explosion
Two men have been arrested after they were taken to hospital with burns from a explosion at a Birmingham flat

West Midlands Police are investigating whether an explosion that left two men seriously burned was linked to the production of illegal drugs.

The 27-year-old man and a man in his 30s were taken to Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Birmingham with serious injuries after a loud explosion tore through a West Heath flat at around 20:12 GMT.

They were both later arrested on suspicion of causing an explosion likely to endanger life and remain in hospital this morning, where their injuries are not described as life threatening.

Police received multiple reports of a loud bang and an explosion at the flat in Aldersmead Road and neighbours were evacuated as a result.

Police cordoned off the home and closed the street while an investigation into the cause of the incident takes place.

Chief Inspector Sean Russell, from West Midlands Police, said: "We want to make it clear that there is no ongoing threat to people living in the local community.

"This was an isolated explosion and work is continuing to identify what caused it. One line of enquiry is that it may have been linked to the production of illegal drugs.

"I would like to thank everyone for their support and patience during the emergency response last night. The investigation will continue this morning and the road will stay closed while enquiries continue."

Anyone with any information about what happened who has not yet contact police should call 101 or contact the independent charity Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.