Firefighters were called to the scene of a gas leak this afternoon after gas and electrical lines were hit during building work.

Crews evacuated homes in The Pines, Laindon, and set up a cordon while they isolated the gas.

After extinguishing a small fire, crews made the scene safe and left it in the care of the gas and electricity companies.

Two fire crews from Basildon were called to the incident at 4.30pm this afternoon.