Two adults and two children are in hospital following an explosion in a residential area.

Emergency services were called to the scene in the Gorse Park area of Ayr, Ayrshire yesterday at around 7.10pm.

Two rest centres have been set up to take care of residents in the housing estate and a number of neighbouring properties have been evacuated.

Police said four houses were affected by the explosion.

Four people are in the care of medics at Crosshouse Hospital in Kilmarnock, Ayrshire.

An investigation is underway to determine the cause of the blast.

Nearby roads are closed and police have urged the public to stay away from the area.

A statement released online by the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service read: "We are currently in attendance at an incident in Gorse Park, Ayr.

"Operations Control mobilised a number of appliances and specialist resources to the scene and firefighters are working to extinguish the fire.

"Crews remain in attendance and are assisting emergency service partners."