South Ayrshire Police attended the property in Gorse Park, in Ayr, shortly after 7.10pm tonight following reports of an explosion. The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service confirmed they are in attendance. The police have urged people to avoid the area "at the present time".

       Taking to Twitter, the force wrote: "We are currently in attendance following a report of an explosion at a property on Gorse Park in Ayr shortly after 7.10pm on Monday, 18 October.

       "Emergency services are currently at the scene and we would advise people to avoid the area at the present time."

       At least three fire appliances have rushed to the scene with multiple police cars and ambulances in attendance.

       A Scottish Fire and Rescue spokeswoman said: “We were alerted at 7.11pm on Monday, October 18 to reports of a dwelling fire in Gorse Park, Ayr.

       Photos shared on social media so debris thrown across the floor as flames can be seen from the residential property.

       At least one building looks to severely damaged due to the blast.

       One eye witness, @_generallee, wrote on Twitter: "So there was a big explosion not far from where I stay in Ayr."

       Another Twitter user, @from1888, claimed that two houses were "totally flattened" following the explosion.

       They wrote: "Hearing of a massive explosion in Ayr.

       "Apparently 2 houses totally flattened."

       A dad-of-three who heard a "massive explosion" half a mile away said it "sounded like a bomb going off, it was deafening."

       It is understood that the sound from the blast could be heard up to three miles away, according to reports on social media.

       One person, @cxllumrfc, said he heard the explosion "six miles away".

       He tweeted: "Massive explosion in Kincaidston Ayr tonight, the explosion could be heard from up to six miles away."

       Many people took to Twitter to express hope that no one was injured in the explosion.

       One person, @scottishchicp, tweeted: "Wow that explosion in Ayr is scary.

       "Hope no one was in the house."

       @Blaircameron202 added: "My thoughts go out to the people of Kincaidston Ayr tonight after a gas explosion has devastated several homes.

       "Please avoid that area if you can and let @fire_scot and other emergency services get on with their work.

       "I pass on my condolences to the injured."

       SNP MSP for Ayr Siobhian Brown has offered her sympathies to those affected.

       She said: “Our thoughts are with those affected in the Kincaidston area as we hear reports of an explosion.

       “Please avoid the area if you can and let the emergency services do their jobs.”

       MP for Central Ayrshire Dr Phiippa Whitford tweeted: "Shocked and saddened to hear of the terrible explosion in Ayr this evening.

       "Thinking of those who have lost loved ones or been injured as well as the many who have had to be evacuated from their homes."

       Ayr St Columba Church has opened its church hall in Midton Road for anyone seeking shelter.

       Twitter user @mrmckinlayRMPS tweeted: "Hoping that everyone is safe after the explosion in Kincaidston this evening. Ayr St Columba Church has opened its church hall in Midton Road in Ayr for anyone seeking shelter.

       "Please share so that all those needing shelter can access tonight."

       Allure Spa also offered to take in those who need shelter and wrote on Facebook: "People of Kincadiston if you have to be evacuated and have nowhere to go we can open up our shop to you we have 10 cosy beds with covers and a kettle.

       "If you're at a loss and have nowhere please get in touch we would be more than happy to help."

       More to follow...