Homes and businesses were evacuated after a suspected gas leak.

Two fire crews helped staff from gas supplier SGN evacuate at least 24 homes in North Road and Foxley Road in Queenborough this afternoon.

North Road was also closed by police between the library and the church hall.

Unconnected gas works had been taking place in North Road near the junction with Whiteway Road.

Speaking as the cordon was in place, SGN spokesman, Dan Brown said: "Our engineers are working to repair a service pipe in North Road after it was damaged inside the property earlier today.

"This property, and seven neighbouring properties, have been evacuated as a safety precaution.

"We’re working to repair the damaged pipe and will allow residents to return to their properties when it is safe to do so.

"This evacuation and repair is not connected to recent work we carried out in the area."

Kent Fire and Rescue Service was called at about 3pm and asked people to keep their windows and doors closed as a precaution.

A spokesman said: "Two fire engines are at the scene and approximately 24 homes have been evacuated as a precaution.

"There are no reported casualties.

"People living or working in the immediate area are advised to close their windows and doors as a precaution."

Police were called at about 3.15pm.

A spokesman confirmed officers helped SGN and fire crews and put in a number of road closures.

Cllr Cameron Beart (Con), who represents Queenborough and Halfway on Swale council, said he had been told that council officers had been dispatched to Queenborough to liaise with Kent Fire and Rescue, SGN and speak with residents who may be out of their homes.

The cordon was lifted just before 6pm and people were allowed to return to their homes.

Fire crews later said people living and working in the Queenborough area no longer needed to keep doors and windows closed.

Read more: All the latest news from the Isle of Sheppey