Forensics teams are investigating an "explosion" at a pub near Sudbury that left three people with potentially life-changing injuries.

Emergency services were called to reports of a fire, believed to be from a camping stove, at the Kings Head in Great Cornard shortly before 10pm on Saturday.

Two Suffolk Fire and Rescue Service crews from Sudbury station were dispatched to the scene.

Bury Mercury: Three people were taken to hospital following the explosionThree people were taken to hospital following the explosion (Image: Johnny Griffith)

A man and two women were taken to hospital for treatment for serious injuries following the incident, which are not believed to be life-threatening but are potentially life-changing.

Witnesses reported seeing a large police presence several hours after the explosion and the Essex and Herts Air Ambulance was called to the scene.

A statement from Suffolk police released a short while after the incident said: "It is believed the fire was the result of an explosion involving a small camping stove."

Bury Mercury: The pub's beer garden was cordoned off while officers conducted an investigationThe pub's beer garden was cordoned off while officers conducted an investigation (Image: Johnny Griffith)

The Greene King-licensed pub, on the B1508 Bures Road leading into Sudbury, announced on Facebook that it would remain closed throughout Sunday as police continued their investigation into the incident.

Sarah Bond, the pub's licensee, said in a statement: "We're closed today following an incident last night.

"We're working closely with the police and authorities. Our thoughts and prayers are with those injured."

Bury Mercury: The incident happened at the Kings Head pub on Saturday nightThe incident happened at the Kings Head pub on Saturday night (Image: Johnny Griffith)

A forensics van arrived at the pub at around midday on Sunday and the beer garden, to the rear of the property, remains taped off by police.

A resident living in Bures Road said he saw two police cars and a police van parked outside the pub at around 11.45pm on Saturday.

He said: "As I was walking back home through Sudbury and Great Cornard, there were so many cars outside the pub.

"There were lots of police officers standing outside and tape had been put up all around the beer garden."

Peter Beer, county and district councillor for Great Cornard, said: "I don't live far from the pub and I heard the helicopter land on the recreation ground.

"I didn't know what had happened until this morning. There was quite a lot of activity there.

"I was surprised when I heard this had happened, but I'm sure the Kings Head staff were responsible in everything they did."

Anyone with any information relating to the incident should contact Suffolk police on 101, quoting reference 398 of April 24.