60 evacuated in gas cylinders scare - News in brief - Evening Standard
       

60 evacuated in gas cylinders scare

Sixty people were evacuated from their homes on Saturday morning amid fears of an explosion after gas cylinders were found at the scene of a nearby fire.

Emergency services were called at 3.37am to the blaze at Rollalong Hire Limited, a portable accommodation company on Penshaw Way, in an industrial estate in Birtley, Chester-le-Street.

A spokesman for Northumbria Police said: "A number of gas cylinders were found at the scene and a 300 metre cordon put in place."

He said that the cordons were scaled down after 7am and some of the residents were allowed to return to their properties.

A number of roads in the area were closed and people working at the estate on Saturday were advised to contact police on 0345 6043043 for more information.

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