A number of residents have been evacuated after a gas main has leaked and ignited in Chester this evening (Friday, June 21).

The fire has been reported on Dee Banks, where work has been taking place to install a new water pipe between Boughton and Huntington. That has meant the road has already been closed off, but emergency teams are urging people to stay away from the area while teams deal with the incident.

A spokesperson for Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service said that after 8.15pm this evening: "North West Fire Control received multiple reports of a fire on Dee Banks, where extensive works are underway to install a new water pipes.

"Firefighters have confirmed that a medium sized gas main has leaked and ignited. The flames are not affecting nearby houses or the school, but as a precaution residents in neighbouring properties have been evacuated.

"All residents are accounted for and there are no injuries.

"Firefighters are using two hose reel jets and a covering water jet to confine the flames and protect a parked van from the heat. Gas engineers are on their way to the scene to shut off the supply.

"The road is already closed because of the ongoing works, but residents are kindly asked to stay away while crews deal with the incident."

Two fire engines from Chester and one from Ellesmere Port have been deployed to the incident.

As of 9.30pm, crews were reported to be continuing to dampen down the area and contain the flames.

At 10.30pm engineers began the process of isolating the gas supply and it is was anticipated the fire would be extinguished shortly afterwards.

By about 12.20am the gas supply was isolated and the fire extinguished.

Crews remained at the scene and were using water jets to continue to cool the surrounding area.

A cordon was still in place, but residents who were evacuated were being allowed back to their properties.

Firefighters left the scene at about 1.15am and handed over to colleagues from Cadent, who manage the gas distribution network.

Properties in the area without gas will be contacted in the coming hours and residents are advised to follow Cadent's social media accounts for updates.