HOMES have been evacuated and roads cordoned off after a car exploded in Vigo.

A woman suffered serious injuries in the incident, at 1.11pm, but police said they were not life threatening.

Two children inside the car escape unharmed.

Harvel Road, Commority Road and Southfield Road are currently closed.

Neighbours heard a loud bang and some of the first on the scene said the woman's husband was distraught. Local reports are that she was pregnant.

Homes within the cordon area have been evacuated as a precautionary measure.

Police are asking people to stay away from the scene to allow the emergency services to do their job.

Army bomb disposal experts are at the scene to examine the vehicle.

Police said this was a precautionary measure to ensure there is no hazard before police begin a full forensic examination of the scene.

Villagers gathering in the village hall and The Villager pub were not expecting to be allowed home for several hours.