RESIDENTS in two Burnley streets had to be evacuated from their homes today after a man tried to harm himself by inhaling gas, police said.

Officers were called to a house in Claughton Street, Burnley shortly after 11am after they received calls from concerned neighbours.

The man in his 30’s had damaged a boiler until it began to leak gas.

Officers forced their way into the house after fearing for the safety of the man.

He was taken to hospital by ambulance.

Officers evacuated residents in Claughton Street and nearby Queen Victoria Road until 12.30pm when all the gas had been dispersed.

A police spokesman said: “We received a couple of calls concerned about the welfare of a man in Claughton Street.

“We had to evacuate a number of residents neighbour because gas was leaking from the boiler.”