Part of a high street was cordoned off following a gas leak - and businesses are still without power hours later.

Police shut the main stretch through Tonbridge just before 10am and prevented vehicles and pedestrians from entering the area.

The road reopened this afternoon - but a number of businesses are still unable to welcome back customers due to a lack of electricity.

Engineers from UK Power Networks are continuing to work in the area tonight, with a team currently based at the junction with Church Lane.

But those in charge of Fuggles Beer Cafe, one of the affected businesses, say it is unlikely their power will return until later tonight.

"The high street has reopened but we still have no power," they said.

"Lots of other businesses in the area are affected too and closed.

"The water company did some work in the area last week and apparently damaged a cable, hence sparks and gas.

"UK Power Networks is currently trying to find the faulty cable and repair it but it’s been slow going for them.

"It's not great and many businesses in the area have obviously lost a day's trade and incurred a lot of waste."

Kent Fire and Rescue Service said: “Kent Fire and Rescue Service was called to reports of a pipe exploding on Tonbridge High Street which led to a fire on the pavement.

“On arrival, crews cordoned off the high street to make the scene safe and extinguished the fire using a hose reel jet.

“The High Street remained closed between Brodyke and East Street, and duty of care was passed over to SNG and UK Power Networks.”

Crews left the scene just after 12.45pm.