Residents have been evacuated from several homes in Shrewsbury after a car crashed into the rear of a property and triggered a gas leak.
West Mercia Police confirmed officers were called to the scene on Upper Road at approximately 1.30am on Saturday, establishing a safety cordon around the area. Hereford Road has also been closed to allow emergency personnel, including crews from Shropshire Fire and Rescue Service, to manage the incident.
Temporary refuge and road closures
A temporary refuge centre has been set up at Meole Brace Bowling Club to accommodate displaced residents unable to return to their properties. A strong smell of gas was reported by Lucie Plant, who lives nearby, and Upper Road was also closed at both ends, reports the BBC.
She said: "When I opened the window I could smell gas. Police closed off my street and we were told to get ready to evacuate our house as there was a gas leak."
Emergency response underway
The cordon remains in place while emergency services continue to manage the incident and ensure the safety of the area.