FRIGHTENED residents were forced from their homes after engineers hit a major gas main while carrying out maintenance work on water pipes.

Most of the A228 Snodland bypass, between its junctions with Malling Road and Holborough Road, was closed between 1.30pm and midnight, as police, firefighters and engineers from the Southern Gas Network dealt with the incident.

Traffic was diverted through Malling Road in the town, causing delays of up to an hour for motorists.

Residents from May Street and parts Saltings Road, Snodland, were evactuated and taken to the Devonshire Rooms, Waghorn Road, Snodland.

It was not until early today (Monday) that many were allowed home after the area was declared safe by police.

Gas could be smelt as far away as Ham Hill and Holborough.

The road has now re-opened.