One of Birmingham’s major entertainment districts was partly evacuated amid reports of an ‘explosion’ last night.

Following a loud bang which some residents claimed to have heard a mile away, West Midlands Police cordoned off a key section of Broad Street in the heart of the city centre.

Major emergency services initially arrived on the scene, restricting access to pedestrians and those out for the evening. Despite some fearing that there may have been either a gas explosion or even a terrorist attack, following similar incidents in London and Manchester last year, it appeared the ‘explosion’ was non-threatening.

With members of the public and press descending on the scene, West Midlands Police allayed undue panic, revealing there had been a “technical fault” in the REP Theatre’s basement, resulting in theatre-goers being moved and looked after at another venue, with no reports of any injuries.

The REP confirmed the “technical fault” on social media, stating the evacuation was “a precautionary measure”. Theatre staff also expressed their relief that nobody had been injured.

All of the road closures have now been lifted, while all businesses on Birmingham’s Broad Street, at the heart of the city centre’s leisure scene, remain open for business.

IN PICTURES: 

Broad Street in Birmingham city centre cordoned off by West Midlands Police last nightAdam Yosef / I Am Birmingham
Broad Street in Birmingham city centre cordoned off by West Midlands Police last night
A West Midlands Police officer assist passers-by attempting to find a way around the partial police cordon of Broad StreetAdam Yosef / I Am Birmingham
A West Midlands Police officer assist passers-by attempting to find a way around the partial police cordon of Broad Street
Broad Street was partly cordoned off following an "explosion" at the Birmingham REP TheatreAdam Yosef / I Am Birmingham
Broad Street was partly cordoned off following an “explosion” at the Birmingham REP Theatre
Emergency Services descended on Broad Street following an 'explosion' at the REP Theatre which resulted in Broad Street near Centenary Square being sealed offAdam Yosef / I Am Birmingham
Emergency Services descended on Broad Street following an ‘explosion’ at the REP Theatre which resulted in Broad Street near Centenary Square being sealed off
BBC news reporters were on the scene of the Rep Theatre "explosion" almost immediatelyAdam Yosef / I Am Birmingham
BBC news reporters were on the scene of the Rep Theatre “explosion” almost immediately
West Midlands Police in Broad Street last nightAdam Yosef / I Am Birmingham
West Midlands Police in Broad Street last night
West Midlands Police officers in Broad Street in Birmingham Adam Yosef / I Am Birmingham
West Midlands Police officers in Broad Street in Birmingham
Broad Street is one of Birmingham's major entertainment areasAdam Yosef / I Am Birmingham
Broad Street is one of Birmingham’s major entertainment areas
A West Midlands Police vehicle in Broad Street, Birmingham, outside the Library of Birmingham and REP Theatre in Centenary SquareAdam Yosef / I Am Birmingham
A West Midlands Police vehicle in Broad Street, Birmingham, outside the Library of Birmingham and REP Theatre in Centenary Square
A West Midlands Police car enforcing a cordon near Broad Street in Birmingham on Tuesday 13th FebruaryAdam Yosef / I Am Birmingham
A West Midlands Police car enforcing a cordon near Broad Street in Birmingham on Tuesday 13th February

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