A GAS leak -caused by workmen who accidentally severed a pipe - forced hundreds of residents to evacuate their homes.

Families on Darwen's Ellenshaw estate had to leave their homes after contractors damaged the pipe while working on a water main on Kay Street, Darwen.

Sudelside Community Centre on Sudell Road was used as a meeting point and safe haven for the residents last Thursday following the alert at lunchtime.

Ambulance crews were on standby as the gas continued to escape, finding its way into drains and sending fumes into properties.

The leak was plugged at around 7.45pm, and residents were allowed home.

Recalling the incident, Lillian Scott, chairman of Ellenshaw Residents' Association said: "One resident started to smell gas around 10.30am. "People were coming out of their houses for a smoke but the leak was outside so I told them to put their cigarettes out straight away.

"Everyone was fairly calm and rallied round to support each other. There was a tremendous community spirit and sense of togetherness."

The workers from John Kennedy were installing new water pipes for North West Water when they accidentally cut through the gas pipe, which was not shown on plans.

Electricity and water supplies were cut off while engineers spent hours tracing the leak's source.

The Women's Royal Voluntary Service from Accrington came to the residents' aid distributing hot meals to all the temporary homeless.

"The contractors cut through a low pressure main and we had to evacuate surrounding homes for safety reasons," said British Gas spokesman, Jeanette Unsworth. "We completed the repairs the following day and there is now no danger to residents.

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