People are being evacuated from their homes after a ruptured gas main has caused a leak.

Six fire engines and around 40 firefighters were called to Malvern Road, Maida Vale / West Kilburn, to reports of a gas leak today (January 4) at 4.50pm.

According to the London Fire Brigade, people are being evacuated in the area due to the ruptured main.

Station Commander Tom Sharp said: “Crews are working closely with emergency services to carry out evacuations of the local area.

”There is a strong smell of gas and we encourage people to keep their windows and doors locked.

“Multi-agency service partners are working to make the scene safe and are likely to be on scene through the night.”

People are being advised to avoid the area.

Hours later, a cordon remains in place and engineers are on site to deal with the leak.

The London Ambulance Service says that it is also at the scene to assist, and the Metropolitan Police says “a number of local properties have been evacuated as a precaution”.

Brent Council has set up a rest centre for families unable to return to their homes at the Immaculate Heart of Mary Church, Stafford Road, NW6 5RS.