Gas leak: Roads could be closed for two days

A drilling company caused a gas leak in a residential area after hitting a pocket of natural gas.

Bedfordshire Fire and Rescue have been at the scene in Cleat Hill, Bedford, since 15:00 BST on Tuesday and warned nearby road closures could remain in place until Thursday.

Nicholls Boreholes and Ground Source said they had been drilling a borehole for a heat pump when they "encountered a pocket of naturally occurring gas at approximately 100 meters below ground level".

It added: "The borehole has been temporarily capped to control the flow of gas whilst we work with the emergency services to permanently close the borehole.

Bedfordshire Police put a cordon in place and assisted with road closures.

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