A MAN was taken to hospital following a suspected gas explosion at a Wirral restaurant. 

The incident happened at Pecorino Cucina Italiana on Hoylake Road, Moreton, on Saturday evening (September 7). 

Diners had to be evacuated and a man believed to be a chef at the restaurant, was taken to hospital with burn injuries.  

A spokesperson, for Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service (MFRS), said: "MFRS attended an incident on Hoylake Road, Moreton, on the evening of Saturday, September 7.

"Crews were alerted at 9.02pm and on scene at 9.06pm, with two fire engines attending.

Repairs underway at Pecorino Cucina Italiana on Hoylake Road in Moreton after explosion on Saturday nightRepairs underway at Pecorino Cucina Italiana on Hoylake Road in Moreton after explosion on Saturday night (Image: Craig Manning / Newsquest)

"Crews arrived following reports of a gas explosion involving a mid-terrace property, comprising of a shop to the ground floor and a flat above.

"All persons were evacuated and the gas to the property was isolated.

"One casualty, who was conscious and breathing, suffered minor burns and was conveyed into the care of North West Ambulance Service, before being taken to hospital for further treatment.

"Merseyside Police also attended, closing roads and assisting with traffic management. Crews cordoned off the area and confirmed there was no fire within the property.

"Cadent attended to carry out gas checks externally to the affected premises. A structural engineer attended and deemed that the property had no immediate structural instability, and allowed access to the premises for Fire, Police, and Cadent.

"Crews maintained the cordon before an external handover with Merseyside Police took place.

"An investigation into the cause of this incident is ongoing between Merseyside Police and MFRS’s Fire Investigation team, with no further updates at this time.

"Fire Service personnel made up their equipment and left the scene at 10.53pm."

Writing on social media, a spokesperson for Pecorino Cucina Italiana, said: "All the emergency services arrived and they made sure everything is safe and are trying to find out exactly what happened. 

"We will try to contact everyone who has a booking with us. We will be working to get up and running our place as soon as we can. 

"Thank you for your continued support. We can't apologise enough."