Roads have been closed and buildings evacuated due to a suspected gas leak in the former Lewis's department store building in Liverpool city centre today.
Emergency workers were called to the building on Renshaw Street at 11.30am this morning following a report of a suspected gas leak.
Rail services have also been affected, as Central station has been closed with no trains stopping there until further notice.
National Grid said the leak was from a gas supply pipe running under the pavement.
A spokeswoman said the pipe was damaged after building rubble was sent down a chute by contractors working on the roof of the Lewis's building.
Part of Clayton Square Shopping Centre has been closed, including Ladbrokes, Boots and Discount UK.
Many people have complained on twitter about the suspected leak, with some unable to get into their homes and commuters struggling to get home.
One disgruntled commuter said: "Hmm. Gas leak in Liverpool, closing the roads my bus goes down. Getting home could be fun."
Regular updates on how the incident is affecting the public transport network are available on www.merseytravel.gov.uk , www.merseyrail.org and Traveline 0871 200 2233.
Updates will also be broadcast on local radio station bulletins.
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