A gas leak has closed part of a main road.

Canterbury Street in Gillingham was shut in both directions this morning after residents reported smelling gas.

Homes were evacuated and the road was closed between the A2 Watling Street and Nelson Road, closed to Gillingham Park.

Access to the park was affected as a result of the leak.

A police spokesman said: "Kent Police was called by the fire service at 11.14pm last night to a report of a gas leak in Canterbury Street, Gillingham.

"Officers attended and have closed Canterbury Street at its junction with Nelson Road to vehicles, while engineers complete repairs at the scene.

"Motorists should consider using alternative routes until the road has reopened."

A fire service spokesman added: "The fire service was called to Canterbury Street where there was a strong smell of gas.

"One fire engine attended, and a cordon was put in place due to a suspected gas leak. Nearby properties were evacuated as a precaution.

"SGN and UK Power Networks attended to isolate power supply and carry out repairs. Kent Police also attended to close the road, and duty of care was left with SGN."

SGN, previously known as Southern Gas Networks, said repairs were continuing but the road had been reopened.

Bradley Barlow, SGN spokesman, said: "We were called to Canterbury Street, Gillingham overnight after the police closed the road due to a cable fault damaging our gas service.

"The road was reopened earlier today and we’re continuing to make repairs to our gas network."