Major gas leak sees homes evacuated

Residents were evacuated from their homes during a gas leak, a fire service has confirmed.

Approximately 75 people had to leave their homes on Tuesday night after a road resurfacing crew ruptured a major gas pipeline in the Dene Street area of Holywell, Whitley Bay.

The leak took place at about 22:10 BST.

The area was declared safe two and a half hours later and residents were able to re-enter their homes.

During the leak, Northumberland Fire and Rescue Service advised residents in the surrounding area to keep windows and doors closed, not to smoke or strike matches and avoid naked flames.

Follow BBC Newcastle on X (formerly Twitter), Facebook and Instagram. Send your story ideas to [email protected].