Residents in Vauxhall ‘feared an explosion’ as hundreds were evacuated from their homes after a major gas leak

Residents evacuated from a Vauxhall street feared an explosion as a major gas leak hit a doctor’s surgery.

A cordon remains around the eye surgery in Jonathan Street as firefighters and police assist gas specialists as they search for the source of the leak.

Meanwhile, dozens of families have been forced from their homes and are being offered shelter in local churches and community centers.

A police officer at the scene said: “I understand they are still trying to find the source of the leak so no one can go back at the moment.”

Callum Jones, 24, a student who lives in the street said: “The smell of gas was overwhelming, I thought it might be an explosion, the air was full of gas.

“I’ve been evicted, which is a pain, but at least we’re safe. I don’t have kids, so it’s easier for us.”

Peter Constantides, 48, said: “I was working from home and I smelled petrol. A lot of people called the energy services and they came and said “Get out as fast as you can”, it was a shock. But I just took a few essentials and hit the ground running.”

Mum-of-two Tara Hemscott, 29, said: “It’s a bit of a nightmare, the little one was at home so I packed it. We are staying with friends, the people were kind. We just want to go back. It was all action stations for a while.”

A respite center has been set up at Hope Church on Tyers Street for anyone displaced from their homes.

Two people were assessed by London Ambulance Service crews at the scene.

There are several road closures, including Jonathan Street and surrounding roads.

Fire crews are working alongside the Metropolitan Police and Lambeth Council to make the site safe, the LFB said.

Firefighters from Lambeth and Soho fire stations remain at the scene.

Lambeth Council said it was supporting residents affected by the gas leak.

Councilor Dr Mahamed Hashi, Lambeth Cabinet Member for Safer Communities, said: “We are working to support affected residents who need our help alongside the fire and police.

“We will continue to provide this support until people return to their homes safely.”

Lambeth Police said: “A number of residents have been evacuated as a precaution while engineers work to resolve the situation.

“Police are continuing to work with partners, including the local authority, while the situation remains ongoing.”

Vauxhall Surgery has been contacted for comment.