One person dead after explosion outside Liverpool Women's Hospital

Merseyside Police have confirmed one person has died and another is injured after an explosion in a car outside Liverpool Women's Hospital.

Police were called to reports of a car explosion just before 11am today (14th November).

The injured person is being treated in hospital. His injuries are not life-threatening.

Police have now arrested three men in Liverpool under the Terrorism Act.

In a statement, Merseyside police chief constable, Serena Kennedy said they understand the car involved was a taxi which pulled up outside the hospital just before the explosion occurred.

A cordon remains in place and a number of roads are closed around the hospital.

Chief Constable Kennedy says they're keeping an open mind as to what caused the explosion, but Counter Terrorism Police are leading the investigation supported by Merseyside Police.

She says the emergency response will be going on at the hospital for some time

Chief Fire Officer at Mersey Fire, Phi Garrigan, said "we responded with two fire appliances to a fully developed fire... operational crews extinguished the fire rapidly".

Chief Executive Officer of Liverpool Women's Hospital, Katherine Thompson, says they are restricting visiting access with immediate effect until further notice - to keep the hospital safe.

She said: "Where possible we have diverted patients to other hospitals until further notice... We're reviewing our patient activity for the next 24 to 48 hours and patients should wait to be contacted with updates about any planned appointments".

Staff at the hospital are being permitted to leave and enter the hospital under the supervision of Merseyside Police.

Updates about visiting will be put on their website.

The public are being urged to stay calm but remain vigilant.

The scene outside Liverpool Women's Hospital

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