FAMILIES were evacuated from their homes after a fire below a maisonette caused the risk of a gas explosion last night.

The town's fire crew was called to a property in Fairfield Court, Hightown, Liversedge, at 9.30pm where an elderly married couple were trapped above a burning bin store below their flat.

As they were not at risk from smoke or flames, the couple were told to stay inside until the bin fire had been put out.

However once they were safe, it emerged the fire had damaged electrical supply boxes and also ruptured gas pipes, prompting immediate evacuation of three adjoining properties.

Northern Gas Network staff capped off the supply and electricity engineers cut power to the property causing a localised blackout for some two hours, by which time residents were able to return to their homes.

A spokesman at Cleckheaton fire station said investigations into the cause of the blaze are now underway.

The fire service revealed that an elderly woman was also treated for smoke inhalation.

Appliances from Cleckheaton and Dewsbury attended along with specialist officers.