RESIDENTS were evacuated after an ammonia leak at an old butchers near a railway station.

The shop in Terminus Road, Brighton, was cordoned off yesterday and fire crews remained at the scene for more than seven hours.

The cordon remains in place this morning.

The Argus:

An East Sussex Fire and Rescue Service spokeswoman said crews were initially called after reports of an "unusual smell" coming from a house.

After crews arrived at the scene, she said: "We were called at 1.39pm to a property in Terminus Road, Brighton, following reports of a possible gas leak.

"We currently have crews from Brighton, Roedean and Lewes on scene.

"Crews are using a Gas Detection Monitor to source the leak."

At 4.52pm the incident was "downscaled to one appliance".

The Argus:

At 9.40pm Brighton and Hove City Council revealed there was an ammonia leak.

A spokesman said: "East Sussex Fire and Rescue Service crews are still on the scene in Terminus Road where there is an ammonia leak from an old cylinder.

"The cylinder is in the basement of an old disused butchers shop at five, Terminus Road. 

"About ten residents living in the immediate area have been displaced and all are being offered accommodation by our homelessness team.

"The council has an incident liaison officer at the scene.

"There are no reported casualties from this incident.

"People in the immediate area are being advised to avoid the area in Terminus Road and residents in the area should keep windows and doors closed."