AN explosion has caused significant damage to an Indian takeaway on a busy Grays street, where glass and debris was strewn across the road.

An eye witness, who was lucky to escape without injury, has said the explosion - which happened about 2.20pm today (Sunday, 5 February) was like a 'bomb' going off at the Bilash restaurant on Southend Road just

Electrician Vince Knight from Blackshots was passing in his van when the explosion happened.

He told Nub News: "I missed the brunt of it by about three seconds. There was glass and debris everywhere.

"I am a first responder and stopped to see what I could do to help. Fortunately no-one was injured, all the staff were in the back of the shop and are OK.

"It's a miracle no-one was walking past. They would have been seriously injured. There is a lot of damage to cars parked outside.

"I understand the restaurant had to close last night because of a smell of gas. It seems it may have built up."

A police statement says: "Our officers were called to an address in Southend Road shortly before 2.25pm today, Saturday 5 February.

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"No one is believed to have been injured and there is not thought to be any structural damage to the building.

"Several vehicles have been damaged.

The road is closed and is likely to remain shut for several hours." A statement from Essex Fire and Rescue says: Crews are at the scene of a gas explosion at a commercial premises in Southend Road, Grays. We were called at 2.25pm with firefighters from Grays and Orsett in attendance.

"No one is believed to have been injured. There was damage to the windows and nearby cars.

"We have requested the attendance of the gas company and are working with colleagues at Essex Police who are also at the scene.

"The road is closed and is likely to remain shut for several hours."

An investigation into the cause is being carried out. Southend Road was reopened by 8pm.