Gas-scare neighbours evacuated

Residents in Patricia Close were ordered to leave their homes after an unoccupied bungalow in the close showed very high readings of gas.

Southern Gas Networks was called to the scene by a neighbour, who was concerned after smelling gas coming from the bungalow’s letterbox.

Police and Worthing firefighters were also called at 10.20am to help.

Duncan McDonald, spokesman for the gas company, said they treated suspected gas leaks very seriously and rushed to the scene.

“The decision was made that because it smelled, we had to get in so we broke a window,” he said.

“There was a gas leak coming from one of the pipes next to the meter.

“As a precaution, the people on either side of the empty property were evacuated and as soon as it was made safe the residents were allowed back home.”