UPDATE: Residents evacuated after gas leak in Bury St Edmunds return to their homes

About 30 to 40 Bury St Edmunds residents who have been forced to stay in a hotel for several days following a gas leak in their street are being allowed back into their homes.

Nine properties, in Severn Road, were evacuated following the leak in a gas main on Sunday night which was repaired by engineers from National Grid.

However, the gas found its way under the concrete floors of the houses and engineers had to use special equipment to suck out the gas.

A National Grid spokesman said it was a ‘painstaking and methodical operation’ and residents were housed in a hotel while the work was carried out.

They have been allowed to return to their homes tonight.

The spokesman added: “The amount of gas found in the properties was found to be above safe levels. At certain levels, gas can ignite and put people at risk.

“In this case the gas levels were monitored and corrective action has been taken to ensure that people are kept safe.

“We would like to apologise for the disruption caused.”

If you have been affected by the leak, contact Head of News Content Paul Derrick on 01284 757857 or email paul.derrick@buryfreepress.co.uk