A cordon remains in place at the scene
Police cordon off Warrington Road due to a gas leak(Image: Andrew Teebay Liverpool Echo)
Homes and businesses were evacuated this evening following a gas leak in Prescot. Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service (MFRS) were called to Warrington Road at around 6.15pm on September 30, with fire crews arriving ten minutes later.
Two fire engines attended the incident, which was confirmed to be a gas leak caused by ongoing works in the area. Merseyside Police are also in attendance, assisting with cordons and road closures. Upon arrival, Cadent Gas verified the leak and began emergency works to isolate the affected gas main.
A Cadent dig team is currently on-site working to contain the issue.
As a safety precaution, four shops and five flats located above the properties were fully evacuated. No injuries have been reported, MFRS confirmed.
A multi-agency meeting has taken place, and authorities are closely monitoring gas levels at the scene. The fire service will remain on-site until it is deemed safe.
Merseyside Fire & Rescue Service and Police at the scene(Image: Andrew Teebay Liverpool Echo)
Gas and electricity supplies to the affected properties have been isolated.
The incident has caused significant disruption to traffic in the area. Arriva North West issued a travel warning to its passengers, confirming its 10A service to Liverpool is being diverted via Steley Way, Manchester Road, and Liverpool Road. Services heading towards St Helens are using the same route in reverse. The company has warned of potential delays.
Traffic monitoring service Inrix reported: “A57 Warrington Road in both directions closed, queueing traffic due to gas leak from Eccleston Street to A58 St Helens Road.”
Residents and motorists are urged to avoid the area while emergency services work to resolve the incident.
The incident is ongoing.
For the latest news and breaking news visit liverpoolecho.co.uk/news
Get all the big headlines, pictures, analysis, opinion and video on the stories that matter to you by signing up to our daily and breaking newsletter. Sign up to our breaking news newsletter here.
Follow us on Twitter @LivECHONews – the official Liverpool ECHO Twitter account – real news in real time.
We’re also on Facebook/theliverpoolecho – your must-see news, features, videos and pictures throughout the day from the Liverpool ECHO.