Commuters are facing major disruption after a gas leak closed parts of London’s West End.
Roads are closed and Police manning the cordons say they may not be lifted for another four to five hours.
About 1,450 people have evacuated after the leak was discovered under the Leon Restaurant and Theatre on Shaftesbury Avenue. Road closures have also been put in place, just off Wardour Stree and Shaftsbury GMT.
A ruptured gas main has been detected, London Fire Brigade and London Ambulance HART teams have also been called to the incident that started unfolding just after 3pm on Thursday afternoon following reports of a strong smell of gas in the area.