Homes evacuated after gas leak

Fire engines were sent to the scene

About 200 homes in County Tyrone in Northern Ireland were evacuated on Monday night following a major gas leak.

Police asked residents in the Annaghmore Road area of Coalisland to leave their homes.

It is believed that a 30-tonne tank containing liquid petroleum gas ruptured in the hot weather on Monday.

A police spokesman said emergency services, the local authority and the Health and Safety Executive had been working through the night to stop the leak and make the area safe.

Colin Lammey: At the scene of the gas leak

A specially equipped fire crew is at the scene.

Acting chief fire officer Colin Lammey has been at the scene throughout the night.

He said: "This is a very serious incident for the fire service and for the local community.

"There is a hole in the side of this gas storage tank."

Several hundred people had to leave their homes.

Sinn Fein MLA Francie Molloy said around 10 fire engines were at the scene of the gas leak.

Mr Molloy said he had been talking to residents in the Moorlands area, who had been told to evacuate.

"They're telling me that there is a strong smell of gas in the area and that people are concerned that there may be an explosion," he added.