SEVENTY homes had to be evacuated after a gas main was ruptured, with some residents spending the night in a village hall.

Gas network company SGN confirmed last night that 70 homes in Tangmere had to be evacuated yesterday afternoon.

The leak was caused by builders working on a new development on the old airfield behind Woodfield Close, according to West Sussex Fire and Rescue Service.

Going into this morning, SGN was still working on the site and the main was temporarily patched up at about 3am.

It is understood all residents were allowed back in their homes at about 7.30am.

People were urged to keep their doors and windows shut after workmen ruptured a gas main in Woodfield Close just after 4.20pm yesterday.

About 20 residents in Woodfield Close and Chichester Drive were initially taken to the village hall to spend the night at the Westergate Centre before a police cordon was extended to 100m.

Olly Thom, 28, of Woodfield Close, said he was working from home when he saw some commotion outside.

He told The Argus: "Everyone was told to evacuate. I felt a bit worried. There was a very, very strong smell of gas in the air. The leak was quite a loud noise, like a tap almost."

Mr Thom, his pregnant girlfriend and two-year-old son went to stay at his partner's mother's house.

While he praised the the police in their role, he added: "The council didn't have a great deal of information. All we were told to do really was check social media for updates. It was quite poorly managed in my opinion." However, others thanked the council for its efforts.

There are no reports of any injuries.

A spokeswoman for SGN said: "We were called out yesterday afternoon to Tangmere to a report that one of our gas mains had been damaged by a third party.

"We completed a temporary repair at about 3am this morning and we will be working hard to make a permanent repair to the gas mains pipe today."

Tony Dignum, leader of Chichester District Council said: “Last night’s gas leak in Tangmere was a fantastic example of how a community comes together to support one another under difficult circumstances.

“Sussex Police did a fantastic job of co-ordinating the response and our dedicated officers were on hand all night helping families who had been evacuated from their homes.

"The Co-op and One Stop stores in Tangmere provided food while the Chichester Park Hotel, the Premier Inn and St Richard’s Hospital all helped to provide bedding and pillows.

“I want to say a massive thank you to everyone involved – the response to this really was a team effort.

"We’re incredibly thankful that no one was injured and hope that all of those affected get plenty of rest this weekend now that they are back in their own homes.”