A trailer coming loose from a van in Walmer Bridge closed a road outside Preston and triggered a gas leak.

More than 40 homes were evacuated by the emergency services.

Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service had crews from Leyland and Tarleton at the scene in Liverpool Road, close to the junction with Hall Carr Lane.

Shortly after 2pm on Friday (24 November) a trailer came detached from a vehicle and sheared a gas main.

Drivers were advised to avoid the area and the National Grid has engineers on site.

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A local rest centre at Longton Village Hall was put in place for households affected.

A spokesman from South Ribble Borough Council said: “We’re working with relevant agencies to ensure that affected residents are supported.”

South Ribble Police lifted the road closure shortly after 6pm on Friday and residents were allowed back in their homes.