A major incident has been declared after properties were destroyed in a suspected gas explosion in Swansea. 

South Wales Police and the Welsh Ambulance Service were called at just after 11.20am on Monday to reports of an explosion at an address on the junction of Clydach Road and Field Close in Morriston.

Members of the public have been told to avoid the area, which is strewn with debris from the collapsed buildings. 

Rob Stewart, the leader of Swansea Council, said: "It is not known at this time if there are any injuries or fatalities."

He added: "My thoughts are with the residents at this moment from what looks like an extremely serious incident, as we try and establish if everyone is safe.

"Our teams are on site and working with the emergency services."

A South Wales Police spokesperson said: "Emergency services are working at the scene, and we are asking that people avoid the area so we can deal with this incident."

A Welsh Ambulance Service spokesperson added: "We were called today shortly after 11.20am to reports of an explosion at a property on Clydach Road in Morriston."