Bolton residents evacuated after gas leak reports

A cordon was put in place and residents were evacuated as a precaution

People were evacuated from their homes following reports of a gas leak.

Fire crews remained at the scene on Halliwell Road in Bolton for more than three hours to investigate on Tuesday evening.

Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue (GMFARS) said residents had reported a strong smell coming from the basement of their homes.

This followed reports of a large quantity of petrol being disposed of in a nearby drain earlier in the day.

A spokesperson for fire authority said firefighters flushed the local drainage system with water and performed checks to ensure the properties were safe.

One home was found to have an elevated level of carbon monoxide, GMFARS added.

A man living there was assessed by paramedics from North West Ambulance Service but did not require further treatment.