Dawlish residents allowed home after gas leak fixed

Residents have returned to their homes after a gas leak in a town centre led to the area being evacuated.

Devon and Cornwall police said they received reports of the leak at the Royal Mail sorting office in Dawlish at 09:00 GMT.

A 150m cordon was put in place and nearby businesses and homes evacuated.

Scott Pengilley, Wales & West Utilities operational manager for the area, said: "Our engineers have now repaired the leak and made the area safe."

Speaking earlier, resident Ann Morgan said: "A policeman came and said everybody had to be evacuated.

"They were going round and telling everyone they'd got to get out."

Mr Pengilley said: "As a precaution, the emergency services closed Brunswick Place and evacuated nearby properties while we were working.

"We appreciate that this situation was not ideal, but it was important that we fix this leak now, in order to keep people safe."

Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue service said crews from Dawlish, Teignmouth, Newton Abbot and Middlemoor were also sent to the scene.