Restaurant crash causes gas leak and evacuations in Liverpool

A car crashed into a restaurant in Liverpool city centre, causing a gas leak that led to neighbouring buildings being evacuated and roads closed, Merseyside Police said.

The collision happened at about 12.30pm on North John Street, when a Peugeot hit the window of Tiger Rock Restaurant. The driver remained at the scene, and police said there was no indication the crash was deliberate.

Three people who were inside the restaurant were assessed for minor injuries, Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service said. The impact caused the gas leak, prompting police and firefighters to establish a cordon. A structural engineer and a gas engineer were due to attend.

Road closures were in place at the junctions of North John Street with Dale Street and Lord Street. Buses were also diverted: Wirral Metro services were terminating at Whitechapel and starting their return journeys from Sir Thomas Street.