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Marylebone gas leak: 400 people forced to leave shops and restaurants in mass evacuation

Streets were taped off in central London following a suspected gas leak: The Cock and Lion Pub
Streets were taped off in central London following a suspected gas leak: The Cock and Lion Pub

Four hundred people have been forced to leave shops and restaurants in a central London street after a suspected gas leak.

A 50 metre cordon has been put up and firefighters ordered a mass evacuation in Marylebone Lane which is popular with diners and shoppers.

The lane, which is near Bond Street Tube station, is filled with boutique shops and restaurants including The Ivy Cafe.

The London Fire Brigade said it was called at 12.01pm on Friday.

The Met Police said: “Police and emergency services are at the scene of a suspected gas leak at an address in Marylebone Lane, close to Bond St Tube station.

"Road closures are in place, and people are advised to avoid the area for the time being.”

Wigmore Street and Bentinck Street are also reportedly taped off.

Photos from the scene show police officers, cars and motorbikes surrounding the cordon.

The Cock and Lion Pub, on Wigmore Street, said on social media: "As usual very gassy madness in Wigmore Street But unfortunately they evacuated whole Marylebone Street.

"We are opening in a few hours."

One passer-by called Gary told the Standard: "I was driving past, roads were taped off by police and about three fire engines were in attendance."

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