An Army bomb squad has been called to a hospital in Liverpool amid a huge emergency response following unconfirmed reports of an 'explosion'.
Armed police have been spotted outside the city's Women's Hospital along with a bomb disposal truck.
Eyewitnesses reported hearing a 'bang' and seeing dark smoke from the area.
Anyone trying to enter the car park is being turned away, reports the Liverpool Echo.
Photos of a car on fire and of it burnt out have been shared on social media, just inches from other parked vehicles.
The car is understood to be a taxi.
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There are unconfirmed reports that a car bomb went off at around 11am.
It is unclear if anyone has been injured.
A police cordon is in place with multiple emergency vehicles parked outside the hospital.
A Royal Logistic Corps army vehicle has also been pictured at the scene.
One witness said there was a "loud bang and now dark smoke" coming from above one the buildings at the site.
A short video shot from an adjacent hillside overlooking the hospital shows dark smoke pluming into the air.
Emergency sirens and banging sounds can be heard in the background of the clip.
Merseyside Police has issued a statement regarding the cordon around the hospital but has not confirmed whether a bomb has exploded.
A number of surrounding roads have also been closed.
A force helicopter is circling overhead, according to a local reporter at the scene.
The police statement reads: "We can confirm that an incident occurred at around 11am today (Sunday 14 November) outside Liverpool Women’s Hospital.
"A cordon around the affected area has been established and a number of surrounding roads have been closed.
"Emergency services are currently at the scene assessing the situation."
They have issued no further details at this time.
Kim Johnson, Labour MP for Liverpool Riverside, tweeted: "Very worrying news of an incident outside Liverpool Women's Hospital, with large emergency presence.
"Hoping staff, patients and visitors are safe. Please avoid the area."
It is understood several people have been turned away from their appointments at the hospital while the area remains behind a cordon.
Liverpool Women's Hospital specialises in the health of women and their babies.
The incident has also reportedly led to the re-routing or partial cancellation of the Remembrance Sunday parade after today’s service at Liverpool Cathedral.
Liverpool City Council has warned people to avoid the area around the hospital in a tweet.
The Mirror has contacted Liverpool Women's NHS Foundation Trust for comment.
