A SERIOUS gas leak forced firefighters to evacuate an area of Lowestoft today.Fire crews received a report of LPG cylinders leaking inside one of the units at HCH Land Rovers in Hamilton Road in the town shortly before noon today.

A SERIOUS gas leak forced firefighters to evacuate an area of Lowestoft today.

Fire crews received a report of LPG cylinders leaking inside one of the units at HCH Land Rovers in Hamilton Road in the town shortly before noon today.

A fire engine from Normanshurst initially attended the scene and swiftly requested backup from a second crew.

Suffolk Fire Service described the incident as a “serious gas leak” and said the road had to be closed and the area evacuated.

A spokeswoman for the service said firefighters allowed the cylinders to dissipate before removing them from the property and making the area safe.

The incident was over shortly before 2pm.