Twenty homes evacuated after major gas leak

A cordon was put in place while engineers worked to resolve the leak

Twenty homes have been evacuated following a major gas leak in Lancashire.

The leak was detected on Goose House Lane in Darwen shortly after 13:30 BST, Lancashire Fire & Rescue Service said.

Gas distribution company Cadent said it was working "to make the area safe and protect the gas supply to local residents", and a cordon was put in place as firefighters remained at the scene.

Residents who were not advised to leave have been urged to keep their windows and doors closed while the issue is resolved.

Amanda Green said she and other neighbours had been moved to a local leisure centre where they had been provided with pizza and refreshments as they waited for updates.

She added: "We were allowed to collect a change of clothes and PJs, and to feed the pets before getting out as soon as possible."

'Keep windows closed'

Another resident, who had packed an overnight bag in case she too was forced to evacuate, said: "You can actually hear the gas gushing out of the pipe.

"It is shocking it is so loud."

Colin Baker of Cadent said: "Our engineers were dispatched to Goose House Lane after receiving a report of third-party damage to one of our gas pipes.

"We ask nearby residents to keep their windows and doors closed and to stay away from the area while we complete this emergency work as quickly and safely as possible."

He added: "Due to the nature of the incident, people living nearby may smell gas."

Blackburn with Darwen Council said it was supporting the emergency response, including providing an emergency rest centre.