Birmingham’s top cop has praised locals for their “amazing” response to an explosion at a city theatre last night.

Just hours after hundreds of patrons at the Repertory Theatre were evacuated following a boiler room blast, Chief Superintendent Danny Long was busy thanking teams involved in the emergency response, as well as locals who were quick to offer their support. He said:

“Initially it was unclear what the cause was but despite the potential danger and in true West Midlands Police style, our officers immediately ran into the thick of a very confusing situation.

“The same is to be said for our colleagues in the fire and ambulance services.”

The blast happened shortly after 8pm as around 1,000 people were watching a performance of Brief Encounter. As call handlers fielded 999 calls from theatre staff and shocked locals, officers raced to the scene.

Cops who entered the building to conduct safety and security checks quickly identified that the cause of the explosion was likely to be a technical fault. No casualties were reported during the incident at the venue in Centenary Square, off Broad Street.

Officers were on the scene almost immediately with a handful raining in place overnight. Road closures were scaled back as soon as possible. 

Theatre goers were sheltered in local businesses which remained open. Chief Superintendent Long added:

“The public’s response to the situation was just brilliant. Whether it was picking up the phone and reporting the explosion, helping to shelter evacuees or just offering their support to the emergency services on Twitter, they really did their city proud. 

“All of the emergency services have well-rehearsed plans in place to deal with major incidents like this. Together we work around the clock to keep the people of this brilliant city safe.”