Homes evacuated in 'potentially explosive' gas leak

Cadent said a gas pipe had been damaged, causing a leak in Sutton-in-Ashfield, Nottinghamshire

A number of roads were closed and more than 30 homes evacuated after the release of "potentially explosive" gas in Nottinghamshire.

Emergency services were called to Stoneyford Road in Sutton-in-Ashfield at 11:38 BST on Tuesday after residents reported a strong smell of gas.

Gas firm Cadent said a "third party" had damaged a gas pipe, and it had sent staff to carry out repairs.

Nottinghamshire Police said roads in Fisher Close, Carsic Lane, Stoneyford Road and The Sycamores were evacuated over fears for residents' safety

The force said all the roads had been reopened and people allowed to return home by 21:30 on Thursday with the gas leak "under control".

Nottinghamshire Fire and Rescue Service had urged residents in the area to keep their windows closed while emergency services worked with Cadent staff at the scene.

Police said the evacuations were carried out over fears for residents' safety

Ch Insp Jon Hewitt, of Nottinghamshire Police, said: "This incident led to the release of a large amount of potentially explosive gas.

"For that reason, the decision was taken to close local roads and evacuate residents from their homes.

"These are decisions that are not taken lightly, but public safety must always be our number one priority.

"I am grateful to local residents for their cooperation and understanding, and to the many emergency services personnel who have been in attendance all afternoon."