Neighbours out in the cold after builders cause gas leak

The workman were renovating a house in Drayton Green Road when the accident happened.

Police evacuated neighbours from the street as well as those in Hartington Road, which runs along side, at about 1.20pm today.

Evacuee Sunni Holtman, 34, of Hartington Road, said: "I was just sitting at home and the police knocked on my door.

"They told me to go to the school and await further instructions.

"I don't expect it's very serious but it's good they're taking precautions."

A relief centre was set up at St John's Primary School, in Felix Road, and 17 residents trudged along the icy pavements to keep warm there.

Medics from four ambulances and three fast response cars where on hand at the school and the fire brigade were also on stand-by in the affected road.

Police sealed off the two streets and the surrounding area but nearby West Ealing Station was unaffected.

At the time of writing a team from Transco were on their way to repair the leak.

Acting inspector James Rawlinson said: "Transco called us as they were concerned it was such a large and it was going to take some time to seal it.

"We have closed the surrounding roads and evacuated 17 residents as a precaution."