Homes evacuated after garage fire

One of the cylinders exploded and injured a police woman

Several hundred Monifieth residents will not be allowed to return to their homes following a fire at a garage containing three gas cylinders.

A female police officer, who was one of the first to reach the blaze in Tay Street, was slightly injured when one of the cylinders exploded.

She was treated by paramedics and immediately returned to duty.

A 200m exclusion zone set up around the commercial property at 1325 GMT will remain in place for about 24 hours.

Police said the fire was quickly brought under control.

Alternative accommodation is being arranged at Monifieth High School for those who cannot return to their homes and are not able to make their own arrangements with friends or family.

Police are advising motorists to avoid the area until the exclusion zone is lifted because of road closures which are expected to cause significant disruption.