Four people have been killed and around 50 people have been injured after an explosion in Netanya.

According to police the blast, late on Thursday evening, was caused by a gas leak in the city's main Independence Square. However foul play has not been ruled out.

The explosion caused the collapse of a four storey building, including a room used as a synagogue. Three young girls and a man from the nearby Wadi Ara town were named as those killed.

Israel Goldberg, a volunteer for emergency rescue organisation ZAKA, said that when they arrived on the scene there was a strong smell of gas and dozens of people in need of medical attention.

Haim Outmezgine, commander of the ZAKA Special Units, said the scene was "reminiscent of a major terror attack" because of the level of damage.

Emergency workers were still at the scene on Friday morning.