Thousands evacuated from central London buildings after gas leak

Around 2,000 people have been evacuated due to a gas leak in central London.

Buildings had to be emptied as a precaution on Southwark Street shortly after 2pm and the London Fire Brigade (LFB) has asked people to avoid the area.

There are no reports that anyone has been injured.

Shortly before 5pm the LFB said engineers were working to isolate the gas leak and make the area safe.

A cordon was in place between the junctions of Great Suffolk Street and Bear Street, towards the direction of Blackfriars Road, with three fire engines still at the scene.

A significant number of evacuated workers had left the area at rush hour and those remaining were being looked after by firefighters and staff from a nearby hotel, the LFB added.

Providing an update the Brigade said: “Firefighters are assisting at the scene of a gas leak on Southwark Street in Southwark this afternoon (5 June).

“Gas engineers are currently on scene assessing the incident. They are working in the roadway as they attempt to isolate the leak and make the affected area safe.

“Around 2,000 people have been evacuated from surrounding buildings as a precaution.”

A spokesperson earlier posted on X: “We remain at the scene of a suspected gas leak in Southwark Street, by the junction of Great Suffolk Street.

“Around 2,000 people have been evacuated from buildings as a precaution with no injuries reported. Traffic is very heavy and people are advised to keep avoiding the area.”

The road is closed in both directions, heavily disrupting traffic, and the 381 bus is on diversion, according to transport data site Inrix.