Dozens of Havant residents flee gas leak

Hundreds of people had to vacate Langstone House in Lockerley Road

About 50 flats in Havant have been evacuated following a gas leak.

Police were called to the nine-storey Langstone House, in the West Leigh area of the town, in the early hours by Southern Gas Networks Emergencies.

About 60 people were taken to an emergency rest centre at Havant Leisure Centre while many have gone to stay with family or friends.

Engineers have fixed the problem, but residents cannot return home until Tuesday due to high gas levels on site.

Arrangements were being made for people to stay with friends, family or in hotel accommodation, Havant council said.

All residents are being kept informed and will continue to be supported by Guinness Hermitage and Havant Borough Council staff whilst the situation continues.

One of the kids is supposed to be at school but we can't get back into the flat to get his school uniform and my partner is supposed to be at work

Jamie Palmer, resident

Supt Roy Bayntun, of Hampshire police, said: "I would particularly like to thank those residents who had a rude awakening at 2am this morning for their co-operation and patience."

Resident Jamie Palmer, 26, and his partner Lisa went to Havant Leisure Centre with their two young children.

He told the BBC: "I heard the doorbell go, and thought no it can't be, then heard it again. There were police outside and they told us there was a gas leak somewhere.

"One of the kids is supposed to be at school but we can't get back into the flat to get his school uniform and my partner is supposed to be at work.

"One of them [children] is asleep now and the other one is getting a bit restless.

"We're all a bit tired and fed up now."

Firefighters and paramedics area were also at the scene in Lockerley Road.

Police said roads around the building had not been affected.