This is why police shut Talbot Road in Blackpool town centre today
and live on Freeview channel 276
Emergency services were called to Talbot Road following reports of a gas leak in the area at around 11.50am today (September 29).
A road closure was put in place from Abingdon Street to the Promenade while "emergency repairs" were carried out, resulting in heavy traffic in the surrounding area.
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Hide AdThe smell of gas was "very strong", according to eyewitness reports, with a number of engineers from Cadent Gas, police vehicles and a fire engine attending the scene.
But police have confirmed the road is in the process of being reopened.
A spokesman for Lancashire Police said: "We were made aware at 11.50am. It has been reported as a gas leak.
"Some roads were closed but are in the process of being reopened."
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Hide AdThe closure comes after an 80-year-old man doused himself in petrol in a nearby bank yesterday (September 28), resulting in a large section of the town centre being cordoned off.
Police, including armed officers, surrounded Halifax bank in Church Street while firefighters and paramedics were kept on stand-by, with negotiations continuing throughout the evening and into the early morning.
The 80-year-old man finally gave himself up at around 2am this morning (Tuesday, September 29) after 12 hours of negotiations with specialist officers.
Find out more about the 12-hour stand off by clicking HERE.