RESIDENTS of a block of flats in the Borders were evacuated in the early hours of the morning following an explosion.

At around 3am this morning (Friday) the flats at Wilderhaugh, next to McDonald's were woken up by an explosion in a second-floor flat.

A Scottish Fire and Rescue Service spokesperson said: “We were alerted by emergency service partners at 3.07am on Friday, 2 December to reports of an explosion at a property at Wilderhaugh Court, Galashiels.

“Operations Control mobilised three fire appliances and firefighters worked to extinguish the fire.

“Crews left the scene after ensuring the area was made safe.”

Residents have spent their morning in Bulldog Bakes on Channel Street, which is owned by one of the residents of the flats.

A Police Scotland spokesperson said: “Around 3am on Friday, 2 December, police were called to a report of an explosion at a flat in Wilderhaugh Court, Galashiels.

“Officers are in attendance along with SFRS and utility companies.

"A cordon has been put in place and a number of flats have been evacuated as a precaution, however there are no reports of any injuries.

“Enquiries into the cause of the explosion are ongoing.”