PEOPLE have returned home after they were evacuated last night after an explosion tore through a garage and workshop.

The fire, which broke out at around 7.30pm on Monday (October 25) on Kemble Street in Prescot, affected more than 80 homes with 17 people staying overnight at Prescot County Primary School on Maryville Road.

Firefighters attended the scene until Tuesday morning after successfully putting out the blaze.