Car explosion closes off roads in Anfield as bomb squad called in Updates from the scene as police c

Alisha from the Liverpool Echo says residents are now back in their homes on Rector Road after an unexploded nail bomb was found in a car. Road still closed.

09:33am

RECAP: Army explosives experts have been sent to Anfield after a car explosion this morning.

Police say emergency services were called to Rector Road at approximately 3.45am to reports of a “minor” car explosion causing a small fire.

Police confirmed the Army’s explosives and ordinance department are at the scene to ensure the area is safe.

The fire was out by by the time fire and police officers arrived.

The area was cordoned off for public safety, although Townsend Lane - which was closed - has now re-opened. The other roads are not expected to re-open for the next couple of hours.

Police say a full investigation into the incident is underway to establish the cause of the explosion.

Nobody was injured during the incident and police say “no major damage was caused”.

There was also a two-car crash at the end of Townsend Lane, but this was unrelated to the road closures.

Not expecting an official update from police until 1pm amid unconfirmed reports a crude nail 'bomb' which included a milk bottle - was involved.

09:28am

Unconfirmed reports a crude nail bomb - possibly in a milk bottle - was behind what police termed "minor" explosion.

09:17am

This just in from City Editor Marc Waddington. People around Rector Road in Anfield whose homes were evacuated are thought to be able to return home shortly. He has been told by Liberal group leader Cllr Steve Radford that they were sent to Townsend Lane medical centre as a precaution when a suspicious package was found outside an address.

Cllr Radford said: "A suspicious package was found but it turned out not to be a serious threat. I am grateful to the council's neighbourhood services and the emergency services for the way they dealt with the evacuation."