A RUPTURED pipe ejected gas up to half a mile into the air, according to fire crews.

Fire service personnel heard loud hissing and rumbling as they approached the scene of the major leak last night in Shipley.

Around ten residents were had to leave their homes due to the leak near the junction of Fern Hill Road and Moorhead Lane which was reported at 6.21.

Today, drivers are being urged to avoid the area as some roads remain closed as gas engineers continue to carry out repairs.

Temporary traffic lights have been set up and delays are expected.

Jav Khan, watch commander at Shipley fire station, said the leak had ejected a huge volume of gas.

"At its height, it was ejecting gas half a mile into the air. We could hear the hissing noise at the bottom of Moorhead Lane and we could smell it," he said.

Police and fire service dealing with major gas leak in Shipley

He added that some residents had chosen to leave their homes before they were evacuated.

"It must have been worrying for those living directly opposite the leak," he added.

The leak had been caused by gas engineers who had accidentally ruptured a pipe while carrying out minor repair work, he said.

A wide exclusion zone was set up by police and fire officers who were assisted by Bradford Council emergency planning staff.

Mr Khan said the area was deemed to be safe at around midnight.

He handed over to colleagues Chris Hargreaves, watch commander at Shipley, and station manager Ronnie Goldwater acted as senior adviser at the scene.

Last night, residents living within 500 meters of the location were warned to keep their doors and windows closed.

A spokesman for Northern Gas Networks thanked residents for their patience while the repair works were carried out.