SIX people have been taken to hospital after an explosion in a flat tonight.

Police were called to the property on Marian Court in Gateshead at 5.29pm today, following reports of a smell of gas.

Three policemen entered the flat, where an elderly man was found. He was placed in the care of paramedics.

A spokesman for Northumbria Police said while officers were escorting the resident from the property there appears to have been an explosion.

Three male officers were injured and have been taken to Newcastle's Royal Victoria Infirmary for treatment.

A gas engineer and a paramedic were also injured in the blast and taken to the RVI.

A spokesman for Northumbria Police said: "There were three police officers injured, who suffered burns to the head and arms.

"A paramedic was escorting the elderly gentleman from the property and shielded him from the explosion.

"The paramedic suffered blast injuries but was wearing protective gear.

"The gas engineer suffered minor burns.

"They were exiting the building when the explosion happened and all six were taken to hospital."

Neighbouring flats have been evacuated.