Sheffield homes evacuated because of gas leak

Dozens of homes were evacuated in Sheffield as a result of a gas leak.

National Grid said the leak, in Oakbrook Road, was reported on Thursday morning and caused by damage to a steel gas pipe during roadworks.

About 75 houses and businesses were evacuated as a precaution. A school provided initial shelter for residents.

Sheffield City Council said some people were allowed home later, while others stayed with relatives. A small number were offered accommodation elsewhere.

A 100m (328ft) cordon between Rustlings Road and Hangingwater Road remained in place while engineers worked to repair the leak.

A spokeswoman for National grid said: "We were called at about 10:23 and arrived on scene at 10:47 to find third party damage to our steel gas pipe.

"We've had to cordon the area off and evacuate some of the properties close by for safety reasons.

"Our engineers are working to reduce the gas pressure, so that they can safely work on the pipe to stop the gas leak.

"Nobody has been injured and nobody has lost their gas supply."

She said the incident would be investigated once the leak had been repaired.

Jonathan Dyson, from South Yorkshire Fire and Rescue, said the leak had been caused by workmen knocking a control valve off a gas pipe during road resurfacing works

A Sheffield City Council spokesman added: "We would like to thank staff at Notre Dame High School and Taylor Shaw, who ensured that those who could not get home had a hot evening meal, refreshments and warmth.

"The majority of residents are staying with family or friends. However, a small number have been taken to accommodation elsewhere in the city.

"We hope that everyone will be safely home soon."