Properties evacuated near to RideLondon finish line

One hundred cyclists are due to race through the centre of Maldon on Saturday

Properties have been evacuated due to a gas leak located close to the finish line of a planned cycling race.

Emergency workers attended Silver Street, in Maldon, Essex, and said a "high level of gas readings" were recorded earlier.

The scene is next to the High Street - where 100 elite cyclists are due to finish as part of the Ford RideLondon Classique, part of the UCI Women’s World Tour.

The event organiser said the race would go ahead as planned.

The gas leak took place in Silver Street, which is next to Maldon High Street

Essex County Fire & Rescue Service said it sent a crew to the site at 09:19 BST to assist gas provider Cadent.

A spokesman for the gas company said: "The decision was made to clear a number of properties with assistance from our colleagues in the police and fire service."

In an update on Friday afternoon, he added that he could not provide a timescale for when people could return to their properties.

High Street business Maldon Books apologised to customers on Facebook after it was forced to close.

"We're so sorry everyone but we're unfortunately not able to open for the rest of the day," it said.

A Ford RideLondon Classique spokesperson said it was working with utility companies and Essex Highways to manage the gas leak.

"Day two of the Ford RideLondon Classique will go ahead tomorrow as planned," the spokesperson said.