Homes in Sandwich have been evacuated this morning after a gas leak.

Police were called to Austins Lane at 9am after a car had reportedly damaged a gas main.

Firefighters also went to the scene where the car had left, and a strong smell of gas was noted.

Police press officer Martin Very said: “Several occupants of houses in Austins Lane have been evacuated as a precaution and the road will remain closed until repairs are completed.

“The relevant utility company was informed and are attending.”

Hannah Brett, spokesperson for gas distribution company SGN, said: "We were called to Austins Lane, Sandwich, earlier this morning by the emergency services.

"We attended in our capacity as the local provider of the national gas emergency service across the south of England.

"Our engineers have made the situation safe and we’re currently carrying out a repair to the gas pipe."

Anybody that witnessed this incident is asked to contact Kent Police on 01843 222289 quoting reference 29-0215.