HUNDREDS of people were evacuated from a supermarket and shopping centre after an explosion which left eight people injured.

Shoppers ran out in panic from the Ellesmere Centre in Bolton Road, Walkden, after a fridge apparently exploded in the new Tesco Extra supermarket.

Witnesses described hearing a loud bang and seeing the shop, which was packed with Christmas shoppers, fill with white smoke.

It is thought that a pipe in a refrigeration unit ruptured and spewed carbon dioxide into the store, which only opened in September at a cost of £25M.

Eight people were treated by paramedics after the incident for shock and smoke inhalation.

No-one suffered any serious physical injuries, but a pregnant woman, a 76-year-old man and two asthmatics were among those treated.

Five of the casualties were taken to the Salford Royal Hospital and one to the Royal Bolton Hospital as a precaution.

Firefighters from Farnworth and Eccles attended the incident, which happened near the meat aisle at about 3.10pm yesterday.

Security staff evacuated the whole shopping centre because of the possible hazardous gases that had escaped from the ruptured unit.

For the full story see tomorrow's Bolton News.