A car crashed into a restaurant in Liverpool city centre, causing a gas leak that prompted the evacuation of neighbouring buildings and closures at two road junctions.

The Peugeot struck the window of Tiger Rock Restaurant on North John Street at about 12:30 GMT, Merseyside Police said. The driver remained at the scene, and the force said there was no indication that the crash was deliberate.

Three people who were inside the restaurant were assessed for minor injuries, Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service said.

The impact caused a gas leak, a fire service spokesman said. Firefighters and police established a safety cordon, with nearby buildings evacuated as a precaution. A structural engineer and a gas engineer were due to attend to assess the damage.

The disruption extends beyond the restaurant. Road closures are in place at the junction of Dale Street and North John Street, and at the junction of North John Street and Lord Street.

Buses have also been temporarily diverted. All Wirral Metro services are terminating at Whitechapel and beginning their return journeys from Sir Thomas Street.