Thousands of people have been urgently evacuated from buildings in central London after a reported gas leak.
The London Fire Brigade remains at the scene in Southwark Street, by the junction of Great Suffolk Street as the gas board attempts to isolate the source of the leak.
Roughly 2,000 people have been evacuated from ‘several buildings’ as a precaution while there is a large cordon in place. No injuries have been reported.
Many of these were office workers – but people staying at a nearby hotel have also had to leave the premises, where they are now being assisted by members of staff.
Traffic is also said to be very heavy and residents and workers are advised to avoid the area.
A spokesman for the London Fire Brigade said: ‘Firefighters are assisting at the scene of a gas leak on Southwark Street in Southwark this afternoon (5 June).
‘Gas engineers are currently on scene assessing the incident. They are working in the roadway as they attempt to isolate the leak and make the affected area safe.
‘Around 2,000 people have been evacuated from surrounding buildings as a precaution.
‘A significant number of those evacuated have now left the area. Those remaining are currently being assisted and looked after by firefighters, other multi-agency service colleagues and staff from a nearby hotel. There have been no reports of any injuries at this time.
‘A cordon remains in place and Southwark Street is currently closed between the junctions of Great Suffolk Street and Bear Street, towards the direction of Blackfriars Road. Traffic is heavily disrupted and people are advised to avoid the area whilst the incident is ongoing.
‘The Brigade was called at 1403. Three fire engines remain at the scene.’
The Met Police are assisting the London Fire Brigade with road closures.