Central London in LOCKDOWN – Hundreds evacuated from Soho after huge GAS LEAK
A GAS leak in Soho has caused chaos in Central London this morning after emergency services locked down a busy road just off Regent Street.
Around 500 people were evacuated from homes and businesses along a section of Maddox Street from Regent Street to St George Street after a gas leak in the basement of a shop.
Twenty firefighters were scrambled to the scene shortly after 11am alongside two fire rescue vehicles.
Police and officials from London Fire and Gas services sealed off the road and evacuated those inside 19 properties as a precaution.
Pictures from the scene showed a large emergency service presence and a section of Maddox Street cordoned off while the gas leak was investigated.
The road remained completely shut for nearly three hours but has since reopened to pedestrians.
Engineers remain on the scene and motorists are being warned of continued disruption.
A Metropolitan Police spokesman said: “Emergency services are dealing with a gas leak in Maddox Street, W1.
“Officers were called at 11:03am on Monday, 15 October to reports of the leak.
“London Fire Brigade have attended the scene.
“Local roads have been closed and buildings evacuated as a precaution.”
The Metropolitan Police Service Westminster tweeted at 2.50pm: "Ongoing works at Maddox Street to ensure everything is in order with the gas leak.
"The road has now been re-opened to pedestrians, however there may still be slight disruption."
Additional reporting by Matt Drake.