Four men have been arrested in Erith on suspicion of immigration offences after “jumping from a lorry” caught up in the evacuation of 200 people - due to a gas leak in an industrial estate.

Six fire engines and 35 firefighters were called to the estate off Church Manorway just after 9.30am yesterday (November 19) after a high pressure gas main burst.

According to the gas distributor, it has been "temporarily secured."

A 200-metre hazard zone was put in place by fire crews as 200 people were evacuated from nearby businesses.

During the operation four men were reported to have been seen jumping from a lorry in the cordoned off zone.

A spokesman for the Met said: “Police patrolling Church Manor Way, Erith, detained four men at 11.40am today (November 19) after they were seen by members of the public allegedly jumping out of a back of a lorry.

“They are currently in custody at a south London police station.

“Enquiries continue.”

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Erith fire station manager Bruce Grain said: “A 200-metre exclusion zone has been set up as a precaution and around 200 people have been evacuated from local businesses.”

News Shopper:
Tailbacks as 200 being evacuated in Church Manorway, Erith (c.) Silvia Jordon @ Picardy Manorway, Belvedere

A team from gas distribution network Southern Gas Network were called to deal with the "gas emergency."

According to SGN the site was "temporarily secured."

The Running Horses pub in Erith High Street opened early to provide a shelter for about 100 evacuees.

A staff member told News Shopper: "About 100 people have turned up here.

"Everyone is very quiet."

News Shopper:
Local business, Running Horses currently has a about 100 evacuees in the pub (c.) Ugo Ehiogu

An London Ambulance Service spokesman said: “We are attending as a precautionary measure.

“We have a hazardous area response team on the scene.”

A Met Police spokeswoman added: “Police were informed by a member of the public at 9.44am of a gas leak at Church Manorway, Erith.

"No residential premises have been evacuated.

"No persons reported injured.

"A cordon has been put in place and local road closures are in place."

Bus routes have been diverted and some trains running towards Woolwich face delays and diversions.

Are you affected by the gas leak? Contact James Parsons and send your pictures of the scene to james.parsons@london.newsquest.co.uk or tweet to @Jame5parsons

More to follow.