Offices and shops were evacuated after a gas leak.

Staff and shoppers lined the streets in High Road, Whetstone shortly before 11.30am after construction workers hit a gas main in Northway House, one onlooker told the Times Series.

Another eyewitness said nearby offices and shops were evacuated. 

Callum Smith, who works in KMR Audio in High Road, said it took an hour and a half for the scene to clear.

He explained that part of the road was shut and traffic was diverted towards Oakleigh Park station.

Mr Smith said: “It stretched up from the hairdresser’s shop up to the car wash. Everyone was walking up and down, it was quite crowded.

“They (police) didn’t tell us the details but there was a strong smell of gas so I am guessing something hit a pipe. They said the risk factor was low, but it was not safe to stay here just in case.

“There was a bit of commotion, the buses had to turn round and divert too. There was police tape around the street while they got everyone out.”

Rebecca Mreh, who works in Whetstone cafe, said: "We were standing outside for an hour. You could smell gas in the street, it was quite strong. Police told us to evacuate because they didn't know what was going to happen."

The road has since been reopened.