Key Events
Road closures lifted
All of the road closures have been lifted, except from Moss Street, which remains closed.
Police statement on Shaw Street
A spokesperson for Merseyside Police said: Shaw Street and College Street have now been reopened following earlier reports of steam or smoke coming from a man hole.
Merseyside Police, Merseyside Fire and Rescue and Scottish Power attended and have declared the area safe.
Shaw street now re-opened
Merseyside Police have confirmed Shaw Street and College Street are now open again.
Smoke seen coming from manhole
Merseyside Police have closed Shaw Street and College Street after residents reported seeing steam or smoke coming from a manhole.
This is not far from the works on Moss Street - where a police cordon remains in place.
A spokesperson for the force says: “At this time both roads have been closed while investigations are on-going and motorists are advised to avoid the area. “No-one has been evacuated at this stage, however local residents have been advised to close windows and doors and stay inside.”
Gas leak - recap
London Road has been completely cordoned off following a major gas leak which occurred this afternoon.
It led to 20 buildings in the surrounding area being evacuated along with dozens of students.
Traffic and transport has also been severely disrupted by the situation and Liverpool Council warned people not to venture into the city centre unless completely necessary.
Students asked to leave earlier today
Students were apparently told to leave the accommodation after lectures this morning.
http://www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/news/liverpool-news/major-gas-leak-shuts-liverpool-12472871
Cordon expected for another couple of hours
According to Josh, people are being told to expect the cordon to be in place for another two hours or so.
Albert Court, home to around 500 students, was evacuated earlier in the day and residents are now taking shelter at alternative accommodation.
Work continuing
It looks like work is continuing on the site - and there’s still no indication to when it might clear.
Traffic lights still not working
Josh says police are having to control the traffic as the traffic lights at Islington are still not working.
Some people allowed through
Josh says some are being allowed through the cordon to get out of Islington.
Gas leak - recap
London Road has been closed off due to a major gas leak. At this point, there is no indication of when the issue might be resolved.
Emergency services are on scene and have cordoned off the area, along with evacuating 20 buildings nearby including student halls.
The hospital has not been evacuated but transport to the area is disrupted, with Merseytravel warning of delays or cancellations.
Commuters getting stuck in the chaos
Commuters are taking to Twitter to vent about getting stuck in the chaos.
Police don't know when the leak might be fixed
There’s still no update as to when the situation might resolve.
No estimated time for road to reopen
Merseyside police have released this statement:
“Merseyside Police in conjunction with Merseyside Fire and rescue and electrical and gas representatives are currently in attendance at a gas leak on Moss Street, Liverpool city centre.
“Officers were called at around 2pm after reports that a gas line had been broken during electrical work. Officers attended the scene and a cordon was set at 50 metres around the breach.
“Approximately 20 buildings have been evacuated so far.
“Road closures have been put in place Moss Street and Islington as well as Devon street, Daulby Street and Prescot Street past the Royal Liverpool hospital.
“The situation is being assessed and there is no requirement for the Royal Liverpool Hospital to be evacuated at this time.
“There is no estimated time for the removal of the road closures and evacuations. Officers would like to thank members of the public and motorists for their co-operation at this time.”
How best to get home?
The major gas leak has caused travel chaos due to London Road being closed off - and disruption for public transport too.
As rush hour approaches, read about how to get home here.
Show will go on
Tonight’s performance of The Commitments will not be affected by the gas leak, despite the theatre being on London Road.
Read the full story here.
Junction closed and traffic lights broken
The junction at Islington is closed and the traffic lights are out by Staples due to the gas leak.
Transport disruption
Bus services around the hospital are being diverted and passengers warned to expect delays.
'Gas leak will cost me hundreds'
A gym owner is worried about the costs of the leak after his gym had to be evacuated.
Video from the scene
Tom Duffy has snapped some video of how the road is looking now -
Gas first smelled earlier today
According to reporter Tom Duffy, gas was first smelled at 11am.
Domino's closed
Domino’s pizza shop is behind the cordon - and it’s been shut following the gas leak. Staff hope to reopen around 5pm.
Gas leak - recap
Prescot street has been closed off due to a major gas leak.
Police and fire services are on scene and residents from the local area have been evacuated - including the local student halls.
Liverpool Council has advised to avoid the city centre all together if possible and Merseytravel has said all services around the area are subject to cancellation.
'evident there has been a leak'
Rhys Edmondson, on the scene, says the smell of gas is quite strong in the area.
Merseyside Police update
Merseyside Police have sent out the following message -
“Due to an emergency, Merseyside Police and Merseyside Fire and Rescue have found it necessary to close London Road in Liverpool city centre, in both directions between Daulby Street and Anson Street, whilst the emergency is dealt with. Motorists and Public Transport users will experience heavy delays in the short term. Avoid the area if you can.”
Students evacuated from city centre
Students have been evacuated from their halls of residence in the city centre.