FIRE crews, engineers and police have been dealing with a major gas leak in Shipley.

The leak near the junction of Fern Hill Road and Moorhead Lane was reported to West Yorkshire Police at 6.21 this evening.

Several roads have been closed by police and some residents have been evacuated.

Residents living within 500 meters of the location were warned to keep their doors and windows closed.

A fire crew from Shipley fire station and gas engineers attended the scene.

A police spokesman said workmen had cut through a gas main, causing a substantial escape of gas.

At 9pm a police spokesman said engineers were still working to reduce the escape of gas.

The spokesman said: "Officers are working closely with colleagues from West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service and Bradford Council's Emergency Planning Team to coordinate an evacuation of properties nearest to the scene as a precaution.

"A cordon is in place to allow engineers to conduct their repairs.

"Roads in and around the immediate area are closed, which is expected to cause significant disruption in to the evening.

"The public are asked to not travel in and around the area and to respect the closures in place.

"Roads in the area will be re-opened as soon as it is safe to do so.

"The public are thanked for their cooperation and patience."

At 9.30pm a spokesman for Northern Gas Networks (NGG) said six properties had been evacuated and residents were being advised to keep windows and doors closed as a precaution.

"Our engineers are working with emergency services to make the situation safe.

"Our priority is to switch off supply to the leaking pipe, by gradually reducing the gas pressure, before making a full repair. Work is continuing."

Later, the NGG spokesman said residents had been allowed to return to their homes a few minutes before 11pm. The leak had been stopped shortly before 11pm.

Engineers will remain on site overnight to carry out a full repair which is due to be completed by the morning.

Moorhead Lane will remain closed until the full repair has been completed.