Area of Coventry city centre evacuated after suspected gas leak

Coventry Transport Museum and Sainsburys' cordoned off after an off-duty police officer smelled gas



An area of the city centre near Coventry Transport Museum was evacuated last night following a suspected ‘serious’ gas leak.

Emergency services were called after a strong smell was detected around a cash machine outside Sainsburys.

The incident was called in by an off-duty police officer at around 8.30pm near the supermarket in Trinity Street.

Police evacuated residents in nearby flats and staff at the supermarket as a thorough sweep of the area was conducted - but no leak was found.

A West Midlands Fire Service spokesman said: “Police, ambulance and gas were in attendance. A cordon and evacuation took place while the gas board made a thorough sweep of the area with gas detecting equipment.

“No leak had been found.”

Traffic was diverted for around an hour as the investigation took place.

Maybe the smell from the river they're so keen to open up?