Hundreds evacuated from Church Manorway, Erith in London as police impose exclusion zone around major gas leak
At least 200 people have been evacuated from businesses around Erith, south east London, because of a major gas leak.
Six fire engines and 35 firefighters and officers are dealing with the leak, which is coming from a high pressure main on Church Manorway in Erith, in the London Borough of Bexley. The London Fire Brigade is on the scene, armed with jets in case the gas ignites.
The Brigade was called at 9:41am but warned the incident would be "protracted".
Station Manager Bruce Grain said: “A 200 metre exclusion zone has been set up as a precaution and around 200 people have been evacuated from local businesses.”
Around 200 people mainly from businesses have been evacuated due to gas leak in #Erith https://t.co/HJmHsdylW0 pic.twitter.com/xIfBZHM28k
— London Fire Brigade (@LondonFire) November 19, 2015
We're dealing with a gas leak in a high pressure main on Church Manorway in #Erith. 200 metre hazard zone in place. pic.twitter.com/hVoBtsLNGb
— London Fire Brigade (@LondonFire) November 19, 2015
Police are also on the scene.
Officers along with other emergency services are currently dealing with a gas leak at Church Manorway, Erith (1/2)
— Bexley MPS (@MPSBexley) November 19, 2015
No one has been reported injured but a cordon is in place and road closures are in place in the area (2/2)
— Bexley MPS (@MPSBexley) November 19, 2015
No injuries have been reported.
Gas supplier SGN issued a statement this afternoon saying: "We have temporarily secured the site in Church Manorway, Erith.
"We’re currently assessing the damage which has occurred and will be able to make a decision about the road closure and exclusion zone in the next couple of hours.
"We will provide a further update at that point."