'Major' police investigation underway after explosion in Cologne, Germany

Police have said they are investigating an explosion that occurred in Cologne, Germany, on Tuesday evening, as a "major" incident.

Emergency services were called to the scene at around 8:30pm local time, after reports of an explosion near an apartment building in the Ehrenfeld district of the city.

One person was injured in the blast, and several buildings were damaged. The injured person was taken to hospital, but their condition is not yet known.

Police have cordoned off the area and are carrying out a search of the scene.

They have also appealed for witnesses to come forward.

The cause of the explosion is not yet known, but police are investigating whether it was caused by a gas leak or an arson attack.

The explosion comes just days after a similar incident in the city of Dortmund, in which eight people were injured.

Police are not currently linking the two incidents, but they are investigating whether there is any connection.

The explosion has caused significant damage to the apartment building, and several other buildings in the area have also been damaged.

Residents of the affected buildings have been evacuated, and the Red Cross has set up an emergency shelter for those who have been displaced.

The explosion has also caused disruption to traffic and public transport in the area.

Police have said that the investigation into the explosion is ongoing, and they are appealing for witnesses to come forward.

Anyone with information about the incident is urged to contact the police.